The week that was....

Pretty good week in the bay as far as waves go. Bit of wind here and there, but who minds some lump if there's surf on offer. Wednesday and Thursday saw some good waves pull through, with Avo's being the pick of the bunch. So much sand there again, kiff to see it come back to life after about a 6 year drought. Think it was the massive storm surf back in 2008 that stripped it of all the sand. Guess we can't bitch about the persistent east's and lack of swell if at least they reward us with sand back at Avo's!

Thursday was the biggest day of the week, with a 16 second swell period with plenty of south in it. Always guaranteed to set up a hell rip. You had to have your paddle arms on out there just to stay in the take-off zone, never mind having to paddle back after a wave. Better option was often the run-around. 

Seeing the Bell Buoy breaking without the Bell buoy actually out there was a bit odd. Turns out it's gone in for repairs and is sitting safely in the harbour getting some TLC. 

Out west was pumping - JBay went off it's mielie all week. The paddle out's weren't for the faint-hearted. Good to see Dylan Lightfoot back in town and tearing things up at his home break.

Lighties - remember to get your entries in for the RVCA Junior CHallenge asap. Slots for this awesome compo are gonna go quicker than the fresh donuts at your tuckshop, so snooze you lose. All the details here 

The surf world lost one of it's pioneers this week. Shawn "barney" Barron passed away at only 44 years young. The ou was a legend - part of the Santa Cruz crew who pioneered Mavericks, and at the forefront of the aerial revolution with Fletcher and Pottz. No doubt he's teaching front side grab's to the angels as we speak. RIP. 

JBay local Steve Sawyer has just recorded his first LP. Coming to itunes soon - so grab a copy cos local music is lekker. Steve's off to the US of A, and will no doubt make his presence felt behind the mike and on his board.

JOB's one crazy nutter - in between paddling inflatable rafts into massive double's breaking on dry sand he does actually surf a proper board. He's the ou deep deep deep behind Shane Dorian. 

Coupla the older fella's on tour have realised there's life after the WSL (and it just so does not roll off the tongue like ASP did). Bede Durbidge, Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson and Josh Kerr have opened their own microbrewery and are gonna produce craft beer under the Balter label. Balter? About as catchy as Kelly's Outerknown....

Mick's known for his fondness of the brown brew, after getting his shoe sponsors Reef to make him a signature sandal with a bottle opener built in! Remember those. Worked great provided you hadn't stepped in dog sh*t just before you wanted to open your beer. 

Here's some more random eye-candy from the week.....

Vic Bay was sizey © Kai Linder

Nice from far - but far from nice if you the ou about to wear it on the head © Robbie Irlam

Yusuf was flying around the Avo's line-up stacking up Voyager miles

Certain spots love south swells © Dave Lipschitz

And so the sun sets on a lekker week in the bay © Heather Nel