Surfski Sunday: A Photo Essay

Fine Art, Seascape Photography, Lifesavers, Central Coast, Australia, Beach, Ocean, Surf

Surfskis! This shoot brought back many memories. As a grom surfer in the 70's, I'd watch in awe as South African lifesaving legend John Woods headed out the back in huge surf. No fear. I remember seeing a surfski snap clean in half when it was caught in the impact zone of a large Nahoon Reef wave. This is one of the most powerful surf breaks in Africa. My last memory is of a cyclonic (huge) surf day in Durban when surskis snapped like so many matchsticks up and down the beach.

If you haven't come across them before, surfskis are essentially performance-oriented kayaks designed for either speed on the open ocean (these are longer) or, with more rocker, for manoeuvring in and out of the surf zone. They also have a sit-on-top, rather than an enclosed, cockpit, making it easier to get back on when you invariably fall off, and you will. This type of cockpit won't take on water either.

I made these photos at Terrigal Beach on a Sunday morning. It was a delight to see the power of the paddlers and their absolute focus. I'm keen to make some photos of surfskis navigating big surf. With winter approaching here in the southern hemisphere there's a good chance I'll have such an opportunity before long.

Lastly, I want to give a shout out to fellow South African Surf Lifesaving Champion, Oscar Chalupsky. He is a personal inspiration: a 12x World Surfski Champion, Cancer Warrior and published author of No Retreat, No Surrender, he continues to impress both with his coaching of surfski paddlers and his public speaking around the globe. Keep fighting the good fight Oscar!

:: Rand

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All images copyright Rand Leeb-du Toit, 2024