Let's go Surfin' Now....

[Chrisclick]

Oh well, maybe just take some photos of surfers.

Visited a place known as 'South Wall, Ballina' today. This, as I discovered, is one of many favoured surfing locations along the coast within 30 minutes drive of where I live.

Don't know why I had never thought to try this before - after the first shot, I was hooked!

I positioned myself on 'The Wall', which is one of two (north and south), manmade barriers that extend into the ocean about 300 meters, at the mouth of the Richmond River. While there was a lot of waiting involved, when the waves came in, the action was non-stop for a few minutes. Took lots of shots over an hour, these are the first few that have been processed.

With a lot of room for improvement, I intend to try again.

I've included a map to show the location, for those who are interested.

Surf 1 by Chrisclick, on Flickr

Surf 2 by Chrisclick, on Flickr

Surf 4 by Chrisclick, on Flickr

Mouth of Richmond River, Ballina, NSW Australia. by Chrisclick, on Flickr

CC always welcome.

[dje]

All good Chris but the first stands out for me because the surfer is heading towards you and the light is on his face. Great action shot.

What time of day was it ?

Dave

PS : Nice part of the world you live in !

[Shadowman]

Nice set.

[John 2]

Really excellent series Chris overall but I agree, the first is the stand out.

[Chrisclick]

All good Chris but the first stands out for me because the surfer is heading towards you and the light is on his face. Great action shot.

What time of day was it ?

Dave

PS : Nice part of the world you live in !

Many thanks, Dave. Yes, #1 is my pick of the set also. The time of day was not good, around 12.45pm, and we have just switched to DST in NSW. So, that puts the sun fairly high in the sky. Actually, my camera recorded 11.45am, as I haven't advanced the time setting yet.

I'm sure that later in the afternoon would be better for me, and for the photos - next time.

Thanks again!

[Chrisclick]

John and John, thank you both! Appreciate the look, and the comments.

[bnnrcn]

Very nice set Chris

[NorthernFocus]

You've stumbled onto an excellent spot for hours of entertainment. To be sure you did well for a first go at it. If you're like me it always takes and outing or two on a new subject to figure things out. Nicely done.

[DEAN01]

Nice series, Chris. I like the third shot.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Chris,

Good series for a first go and I also appreciated the 'map' to show the location.

As others have mentioned; #1, with a full face view, good angle and timing wins my vote, that's a real cracker, probably worth a little time 'dodging' to raise the exposure the face.

With a lot of room for improvement, I intend to try again.

I'm not sure you'll improve on #1 at capture, but the aim on subsequent visits will be to get more like that, although you are somewhat constrained by sun, wind and waves, for which way the surfers go.

Well done, Dave

[Chrisclick]

Thank you, Binnur, Dan, Dean, and Dave for the comments and encouragement. Very much appreciated.

[FootLoose]

Nice shots, Chris. It looks like you have a good location there on the wall. Photographing surfers can be addictive - especially when the conditions are right.

[William W]

Very nice. It can be a very good break on that point at South Ballina.

I agree that later afternoon is going to be better light for you, especially for RH breaks where the Subject will be coming toward you.

It would be worthwhile striking up conversation with the local Surfers and also the Sailors (Richmond River Sailing Club is opposite). There's often excess to the tidal flow at the mouth and that makes for good waves. Get a basic knowledge from the locals as to what makes the best waves on that break (eg afternoon tides, wind conditions etc), check the weather each evening . . . and Bob's your Uncle!

WW

[Stagecoach]

Good set Chris, I can see how easy this could become addictive.

[Chrisclick]

Nice shots, Chris. It looks like you have a good location there on the wall. Photographing surfers can be addictive - especially when the conditions are right.

Many thanks, Greg. Going to visit more often, hopefully I'll catch times when the conditions are good.

[Chrisclick]

It would be worthwhile striking up conversation with the local Surfers and also the Sailors (Richmond River Sailing Club is opposite). There's often excess to the tidal flow at the mouth and that makes for good waves. Get a basic knowledge from the locals as to what makes the best waves on that break (eg afternoon tides, wind conditions etc), check the weather each evening . . . and Bob's your Uncle!

WW

Great advice, Bill. Thank you for taking the time to have a look and comment. I appreciate it.

[Chrisclick]

....... I can see how easy this could become addictive.

Hi Grahame, it sure is! Thanks very much for your comment.

[wilgk]

Well done indeed, a really nice series & I can't think of any reasons not to be addicted!

[IzzieK]

Good series, Chris. I like action pictures and #1 is a great show here. I agree with Dave about lightening the shadows a little bit.