I’d been checking out Haakgat for quite a while. When it gets big and there is SE wind blowing a couple of windsurfers and kiters hit that spot and ride the left that runs just next to a patch of reef. The launch has some shore break but it’s manageable if you time it right. Once out it isn’t too hard to get to the backline, on a given day. Many times I had stood there and checked it out. No wind, but closing out right across and no ways of getting to the backline – damn. On another day, it just wouldn’t be happening, or a NW wind would totally ruin it, or too much SE wind. Or the tide would be wrong and the evil kelp would be sticking out, waiting to cane the unsuspecting kayaker. Until July this year.
Craig Rivett and I headed out scored one of my most enjoyable surfs this season. The waves were fairly slow breaking, one could get long rides, it was easy to get out again and they had a nice size. Farrah Higgs captured the action beautifully and if you look at the photos below I’m sure you’ll agree – thanks!
Craig Rivett heading down the steep(ish) beach.
Adrian Tregoning stretching, probably. Adrian, super fun waves!
Craig giving way as I drop in.
Craig. Craig and I sharing a wave.
Craig on a lovely wave. Ahhhh… Adrian. Me with a sweet wave in front of Craig. What a spot! Just a pity it’s tough to get good conditions like this.
Craig with good timing coming in. No shore break.
There were a few surfers, not many.
Craig heading back for more. Adrian.
Adrian. Craig in the thick of it. Some of the bigger sets would close a little more, but still pretty open.
Adrian leaving this as from here it runs onto the beach.
Craig coming in. Now you can see the reef we’re surfing in front of. But luckily it’s far enough away unless you really stuff it up. Then, remaining upright is key to avoiding get hit by the massive amounts of kelp. It will hurt. Adrian finishing off with a lekker cutty. Great photos Farrah! Great session Craig.
That’s all for now. I’ll post some more soon! Keep surfing…
Photography by: Farrah Higgs.
Words by: Adrian Tregoning.