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Biggest
Waves ever surfed in Africa!
All images& words ©Richard Johnson / www.jaybay.co.za
If you happened to be in Cape Town during the last week of July, and have even the most remote interest in surfing, it would’ve been very hard not to get caught up in big-wave fever. After a 3 year hiatus, the Red Bull Big Wave Africa finally got the green light and kicked off on the morning of Thursday 27th. A host of the world’s best big wave surfers were greeted by sunny skies and 15 foot-plus waves, and with a certain seven time World Champ watching from one of the many boats in the channel, the event went on to be a resounding success yet again proving well worth the wait.However, that was just the beginning – Dungeons was only warming up. Friday dawned even bigger and the boys were on it once again, albeit with the odd hangover here or there. With the contest over and done with they could get down to what we all love do: surf fun waves with our mates. However, when your idea of fun waves is 20 foot, it makes for an interesting day of surfing! |
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Grant
‘Twiggy’ Baker and Californian Greg Long were the
first on it, managing to tow into some beasts before the three
boats carrying the rest of the surfers, photographers and video
guys reached the lineup. Once everyone was in the lineup, paddling
took preference and the skis were anchored off in the channel.
With a pushing tide and the swell predicted to peak later that
evening, huge walls of water continued to roll in under the shadow
of the Sentinel – before hitting the reef, jacking up and
exploding.
Everyone charged and there was an almost tangible sense of stoke and camaraderie running through the lineup all day – that feeling which only comes from riding waves of consequence. Some of the standouts of the day included Dave Smith, who more than validated his recent Red Bull invite. Twiggy, as usual, this year’s event winner John Whittle, Durban charger Richie Sills, Greg Long and Brazilian hellman Carlos Burle. Burle, a former big wave World Champion, also happened to take the wipeout of the day with a vicious beating in the morning. |
 All images& words ©Richard Johnson / www.jaybay.co.za |
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When
everyone was back on the boats later that afternoon, the skis
were called into action once again as Twiggy and Long whipped
into some late arvo bombs, surfing until the sun started to set
in the west.
The swell dropped off early on Saturday, but by
evening another cold front was pounding Cape Town, and as day
broke on Sunday conditions were grey, rainy and MASSIVE.
Bigger and more unpredictable than the last few sessions, it was
to be the day of the skis as those who attempted to paddle in
were taken out by wide sets and struggled to stay in the ever
changing takeoff zone. |
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The
day was not without incident, however, with a number of two-wave
hold-downs being dished out, as well as Ross Lindsey receiving
a nasty gash to the face that saw him being taken off to hospital
by tow partner Mickey Duffus.
By nightfall, though, everyone was safely back in
Hout Bay harbour sipping beers and trading stories of what was
possibly the biggest day ever ridden in SA. Look out for the full
run down in the next issue of the Zag, as well as more incredible
photos from this incredible day.
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click on the images below to view full-size version
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SEQUENCES
click on any pic to see large version of sequence
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Carlos Burle sequence        
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Richie
Sills sequence        
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Andy
Marr sequence      
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Greg
Long sequence    |
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