The week that was...

© Maarten van der Velde

Some waves about and the pro's have arrived. In the week leading up to the start of the JBay Corona Open there's been plenty of of action in the Super's line-up as the ou's fine-tune their game for the upcoming WSL event.

© Jean Goldstone

PE wasn't to be left out though, and some fun line's made their way into the top of the bay. Rumour has it that on the odd day Pipe even managed to have better waves than the Point in JBay. That happens about as frequently as finding a four leaf clover. Or a unicorn.

© Andrew Garai

Some wildlife action at Nahoon, where  Zoe Steyn had a local come and have a looky-see as to what she was. Slummies lensman JP ​Veaudry was nearby and responded quickly to the incident and assisted Zoe to safety. Very lucky young lady that her arm wasn't where the bite occurred. Nice work by JP to have assisted where other ou's may have just scuttled for the safety of the beach. 

© Zigzag

© Zigzag

Not all the pro's are restricting their practice surfs to JBay. Mick Fanning was spotted down at the Kowie grabbing a few runners. Waves looked pretty damn fun in PA. 

© Andrew Laverge

Cuan McGregor © Shayne Minnot

Pipe tried it's best with a few fun lumps, and had the ballies schooling the lighties on how to throw some weight into a turn.

Mervyn Goddard © Petronel Posthumus

Some high-tech creations being brewed in the Boardroom lately. The Hopper II model is proving popular - here's the latest one on it's way to the Seychelles (which happens to have some surprisingly good surf).

The whales have started their annual pilgrimage to the East Cape, and are being spotted everywhere along the coast from Cape St Francis to PA. Keep an eye on the horizon for the tell tale spouts and flukes.

Bruce's visitor © Greg Christy

© Ducky Staples

Quite a few hanging about our bay. If ever you want to head out and see what sort of amazing marine life lurks about in Algoa Bay, then give Raggy Charters a holler and take a trip with them - you'll be blown away by all the cool critters in our bay.

© Raggy Charters

Winter still continues to deliver amazing sunsets, and this week was no different. Much as we all look forward to summer, it just doesn't have nearly as awesome sunsets as winter does.

© Jonker Fourie

© Barry Theron

© Heather Nel

The Surf Centre isn't only home to famous ou's like Car Park John, sometimes another well known face pops in to say hi. Chris Taljaard grabbing a shot with Just Jinger's Ard Matthews, who was in town for a gig over the weekend.

PE is blessed with an amazing coastline - hardly more than 10 minutes from town are amazing beaches like Sards. Despite the recent blazes decimating a large portion of it's coastal brush, it's still a pretty place to hang out.

© Luc Hosten

Some good surf in the Maldives this week. Got to share the line-up with pro freesurfer Asher Pacey. Didn't actually know who he was at first, but just knew he surfed blerrie well. Has the most incredibly languid style in the water, and then still throws in crazy hacks and airs at will. But super super fluid out there. And a totally cool cat too - gave me lots of waves - stoked! All round nice guy.

© Swilly

Gonna be hard to get used to cold water and wetties again after this....
If you gatvol of winter and want some crystal blue warm water waves then grab a trip aboard Shantaram. (www.sailshantaram.com)

Here's holding thumbs that Neptune delivers for the Corona Open JBay which kicks off on Wednesday this week. Good luck to Saffa's Jordy Smith and wildcards Dale Staples and Mikey Feb. Kick some butt boys!

© Robbie Irlam