Jeffreys Bay Open of Surfing Highlights (Part 1)

I made my annual July trip to Jeffreys Bay to shoot the Jeffreys Bay Open of Surfing (the event which has now replaced the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay). It was such a great event with top quality surfing and great supporter turnout. Here is a collection of highlights from the event. More to follow so check back soon.

Golden Skies

I never go on holiday to Jeffreys Bay, because a holiday would imply rest. In fact, most times, I take a holiday when I return from J-Bay. If you've ever arrived at Supers before 7am on a Winters morning (and 5am on a Summers morning – cringe) you'll understand why. The sunrises in Jeffreys Bay are totally breathtaking, and as a photographer, when the pro's are on the dawn patrol and the waves are firing, you want to be there. I recently spent a week up in J-Bay for the inaugural Jeffreys Bay Open of Surfing (the local event that has now taken the place of what used to be the Billabong Pro). On one of the mornings, pre-contest, I was treated to what turned into an aerial display against golden skies from Matt Bromley, Adriano De Souza, Llewellyn Whittaker and a few others. Here are some of the shots.

Blue Rock Waterski Ice Breaker Event 2013

Every year, Blue Rock Waterski in Somerset West hosts the Ice Breaker competition – a cable wakeboarding competition focused on the riders' ability to tackle a series of UNIT obstacles. I was really stoked when I was asked to cover the event again this year; it's an amazing day that showcases all of our local cable wakeboarding talent. This year we were blessed with one stunner of a winters day. I was particularly impressed by the level of riding from the female riders, and was particularly stoked to be there to see Melissa Colborne land her first railey! Having been a member at Blue Rock for a few years, I've watched Melissa ride since she was about 13 years old and to see how far she has progressed is amazing. The next event is later this year so be sure to keep an eye on Blue Rock's Facebook Page so that you don't miss it. Here are a few shots from the day.

P.S. A big thanks to Ingrid Owen for lending me her fisheye lens on the day.

Riders, fear not: if you don't see a shot of yourself above, I'll be adding a full gallery to my Facebook Page, so keep an eye out. To purchase prints, please contact me.

[Featured Work] Billabong Girls Winter 2013

This year I've been fortunate enough to do quite a bit of work with the beautiful Billabong Girls, Tarryn Chudleigh and Tanika Hoffman. I absolutely love doing work for the Billabong brand and working with these talented girls, in and out of the surf. Here are just some of the published shots from the Winter 2013 clothing range. Will share some more soon on my Facebook page. 

P.S. Join the Billabong Girls South Africa Facebook Page to keep up-to-date with the latest pics and news from all their gorgeous team riders.

Smoke & Mirrors

Ever heard of night skating? A lay day at the Jeffreys Bay Open of Surfing meant that the crowds flocked to the Core Downhill Sokkie Jol - a day-long event of downhill skateboarding action presented by Sector 9. After sunset the event was transformed into the Smoke & Mirrors downhill skating exhibition, where some of South Africa's most progressive skateboarders put on an illuminated display of night-time skating. It really was an incredible and unique event to photograph...