The week that was...

Well at least there was big surf somewhere in the world this past week - it certainly wasn;t in PE, but Nazare in Portugal dished up the good for the WSL Big Wave event , and Saffa Twiggy Baker walked away with the win.

Back in the bay it was just another mediocre summers week, with a few lil bumps n lumps to have fun on. The bumps to the north of the bay seemed to be better. The secret to surviving summer is to have really low expectations!

© LandWater

The hiccup with summer being back is that the critters are back. A huge swathe of bioluminence was visible in the sat photo's off Wilderness this week, and may well be making it's way eastwards towards us. The plankton often appears in summer, and it's thought that all the ash from the devastating wildfires near George recently has fueled their bloom.

So keep your eye's peeled at beaches away from the city's bright lights, as you might be able to spot the cool blue glow in the waves.

Sedgefield © Clive Wright

Despite the lack of quality in the surf there were still the odd thumping shorey to clear the sinuses. That's the joys of the east wind swells, lotsa peaks all over the place. 

Clubhouse © Warri Canepa

Small swell plagued the bay over the weekend, which saw the Something Good Classic have to change venues from Pipe over to the Wild Side. The shortboard division was held at Loch Ness and the loggers were out at Noordhoek. Full comp report, results and shots coming soon.

The flat sea conditions were perfect for the penguin release at Sanccob at Cape Recife though, the tuxedo-clad dudes were quite happy to make their way back out into the ocean after a period of R&R at the Sancobb "hotel". 

© Luc Hosten

Summer time and east swells means Humewood is often the place to be. Just remember that the lifeguards can kick out the surfers at any time, so do play nice with them - and just smile if you end up with a malibu sharing the wave with you.

Also, if there are peeps swimming don't be a mullet and ride the wave right til it's death and end up right in among them - cos of course the lifeys are gonna boot the surfers out the water then. Use some commons sense and stay clear of the bathers, and then hopefully you still get to surf.

Sharing is caring says Barney the Dinosaur! © Kody McGregor

Super stoked to get my mitts on some RSPro Hexatraction.for my new eco-stick. Had wanted to go fully eco as possible as the board was made using a recycled blank, and glassed with hemp/flax, so it made sense to look at a waxless alternative. Got some cork front traction also from RSPro, and then applied the transparent grip stickers below and above that. They both work like a bomb. Full review coming up soon!

The Port Alfred surfing community said a sad goodbye to one of their favourite locals last week. The Kowie Boardriders Club held a paddle out in honour of long-time local surfer Jannie du Preez. RIP.

The crazy Christmas season is nearly on us - so if you looking for #localislekker gifts, last week I featured Igoti cushions and stools by local logger Margot Saunders, and this week how about some local art?

JBay artist Stephen van der Watt has some awesome pieces, and can do custom work as well. So give him a shout if you keen on brightening up your space - the perfect Christmas pressie! Anything from lighthouses to line-ups, skulls to sunsets, his range is diverse. And of course his surfboard sprays are next level too. Tune him via FB at ​www.facebook.com/stephen.vanderwatt or email ​[email protected]

© Stephen van der Watt

To end off - just some lekker summer sunrises and sunsets. Can never get enough of the African sky. Not a helluva lot on the charts this week - so start spinning those skateboard wheels.

© Luc Hosten

Schoenies sunrise © Luc Hosten

St Francis © Chris Scott