Smiler and I have just got back in from clearly our biggest day yet at Watergate. I cannot say that the day passed without a huge amount of trepidation, indeed I personally had nervosa-dysentry this morning before heading to Watergate Bay. Today the buoys were measuring 4m plus swell, straight from the West. We are learning that Watergate is something of a swell catcher and has been getting the lions’ share on these days…
Last night’s preparations were a mug of Horlick’s and an early night. We bagged about three waves each, and after my three I came in as I was getting overpowered on the 9m Cabrinha Convert IDS (which was doing a stand up job in the racking gusts – I’ve been testing this kite for Kitesurf Magazine) and to be honest, I was still glad to be alive. If you’re interested, I was using an F One Bamboo SL 6’0 surfboard with straps. Smiler was using his Cabrinha Switchblade IDS 8m and his custom Cabrinha surfboard with straps (he’s sponsored by them).
Well, we can’t see how Watergate is going to deliver much more than this and remain safe. If you crash your kite out the back, it’s 50/50 if you’ll make it back because there is no channel, the waves never let up and the wind is blowing you to the hell at the North End. We’re certain that The Cribbar will be a safer bet on a south west wind at this size – or perhaps a little bigger. Whatever, today we both feel great and are stoked to have ridden these waves at our local beach.
These great photos were taken by Nick and Taura, and considering it was Taura’s first time behind the lens she did a bang up job. In fact, regardless of that fact, she captured the day brilliantly; a natural talent there!
So the first shot is me, the next one is Smiler.
