The week that was...

© Robbie Irlam

Yssss, wish I could stop saying "that was a pretty quiet week" but yet again it was. Monday was the pick of the bunch with super fun lil waves coming through, albeit with long lulls in between. The rest of the week was a scratch inside the bay, but if you took a drive, even a short one, you were rewarded.

Alex van Rijswijck © Petronel Posthumus

The usual array of lekker winter sunsets and sunrises made up for what we lacked in surf. Ever wondered why sunsets are better in winter? Turns out there's a valid scientific reason for it. The colors of a sunrise or sunset are based on how light is entering and traveling through the atmosphere. Dust and pollution particles in the air scatter light and reduce how much makes it to the ground, thus reducing the intensity of colors at sunrise and sunset. So when the air is crisp and clear, like it is in winter, these twilight hours will offer up more vibrant colors. The sluggish air circulation in summer means more smog and haze, and less light entering through them to turn into a kiff sunset.

Monday sunset

Saturday sunrise © Thelma Nel

PE local Jot de Lauwere is on a south Sumatran mission at the moment and lucking into some decent surf. The term "flat" in Indo usually means about 3ft, whereas in PE that would actually classify as a good days surf. In between the odd "flat" day he's been scoring some solid waves.

The old Chinese proverb goes One Picture Worth Ten Thousand Words. Can't argue with the expression on this dude's face can you. SUP's and egg-beaters are one thing, but this is a whole 'nother ballgame. Shot last week in the Maldives. Too scary for words.

© Antony Cola's

Many Algoa Bat penguins became inadvertent All Black supporters last week after an oilspill in the bay. Thankfully quick action by all the relevant authorities saw Xtreme Projects get out there and neutralise much of the spill. Unfortunately still a number of birds were affected, and should you come across a dirty lil 'un then please take it to your nearest penguin possie (SAMREC in PE or Sanccob at Seals).

Johnny Bakker came back from his recent Costa Rica sojourn with the SA Surf team which went to the World Games. CarPark John is now rocking a new cap, which looks like it'll work well to keep the sun off his dial during his extended carpark kakpraat sessions.

Ex-SF and JBay local Ryan Payne was spotted slab hunting in CT last week. Him and shutterbug Ian Thurtell scored a little ridden chunky ledge that turned on in the windless conditions. Ryan's no slouch when it comes to taking on mutant looking waves, as has done plenty of wildside missions at CSF surfing seemingly unridable ledges. 

Ryan Payne © Ian Thurtell

Make a plan to enter the Something Good Classic this Saturday. Everyone welcome, plenty of divisions, you score a free tee and loads of lekker prizes up for grabs. 

Shot to all the groms who will be representing NMBS during the Billabong SA Junior Champs at JBay in October. Really strong team, so they should stand a chance at grabbing the title. Good luck lighties!

© Petronel Posthumus

Saw a very well-written piece by CT surfer Roxy Davis, calling a lightie out for his kak behaviour. Worth a read, cos not only mini-groms that are guilty of not respecting the line-up etiquette.

The week ended with a lekker day on Sunday - the calm before the storm. Warm enough to walk around in some boardies at last. Summer's on the way. But not before we get bliksemed a bit more by winter.

Sunday summer © Marilette Coates