Sri Lanka, empty nugget rolls in Weligama

Sri Lanka Dispatch

In our endless pursuit of coastline and curry, today’s post comes to you from the sunny southwest of Sri Lanka — Weligama and neighbouring Midigama. It’s technically offseason here, so the surf line-up is pretty deserted…but there’s still a wave on offer if you’re keen. It’s a bit wonky, but clean at first light. Peak […]

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Ladies Day, North Bondi

Grey Skies, Bumpy Rides

It was a gloomy old start to the day—dark, chilly, and a little wonky. Bondi was serving up head-high+, unruly waves under a thick grey blanket. Not many punters out either… maybe the 9.1° temps at 5am scared ’em off? Winds are now out of the S, blowing 10–15 knots. Tomorrow looks much more playful, […]

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Yesterday - Waist-High Bliss on the bank

June Redemption

After one of the chilliest starts to June in recent memory — especially harsh if you’ve just stepped off a plane from the tropics — this week’s been pure redemption. Yesterday? A gift. Today? More of the same. How good. A big ol’ blocking high-pressure system has parked itself over southeastern Australia, acting like a […]

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In between sets, Bondi

Sunny Side Up

After the latest sunrise of the year, we’ve been gifted a crisp, immaculate winter’s morning in Bondi. Sun’s out, skies are spotless, and the early frothers were out in force. The swell had a little push overnight (even tickled 3ft), but today it’s settled into a tidy 1–2 footer with a sneaky east angle. It […]

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Golden rays, Asaf on the fades. Bondi 7am

Eight Degrees of Separation

The mercury dipped to a crisp 8 degrees around 6am. Frosty, wasn’t it? Like the past few days, it’s eerily quiet down the beach —1 foot, sunny skies, and barely a puff of wind. Glassy. Calm. Great for a dip, not much chop for the surfers. When it’s this still, the ocean drifts off into […]

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Fishy rides and small swells, Bondi 7am

Woollies at Dawn

I’ve got a lot of admiration for those brave souls diving into the ocean on mornings like this. The water’s actually warmer than the air, but it’s that barefoot bolt across the sand that’ll test you. Thankfully, there was barely a breeze this morning, and last night’s squall cleared out to reveal a beauty of […]

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Christophe Marandat tickling the nasal cavities

Developing Showers

The swell’s backed off a gear — waist to chest high on the sets — after yesterday’s dreamy conditions. You didn’t miss that, did you? Because that was as clean and fun as it gets around here. Could it be? Has the long-standing curse of terrible conditions for the Bondi Boardriders Club finally lifted? Miracles […]

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Rainbow mania at North Bondi this morning

Stubborn low

We’re in the grip of a stubborn low-pressure system parked off the coast, refusing to budge. It’s like that one friend who overstays their welcome… three days in, and they’re still on your couch eating all your snacks. These coastal lows are notorious for lashing the East Coast with relentless onshore winds, stormy seas, and […]

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How many in the water you reckon? And that's just North

Urban Rush

After a grey start, Bondi has flipped into a stunning, sunny Autumn day. It’s sitting around 21 degrees at lunchtime—pretty ideal. Heads up, though: there’s a chance of a shower around 4 p.m., so maybe bring the washing in early. The wave machine has eased off. Just the occasional shoulder-high runner pushing through, but mostly […]

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Fraser Dovell, blow tails and hugging the shoulder for safety

Clean Sets, Dirty Etiquette

The decent run of swell continues, and Bondi was looking the goods at sunrise—clean lines, waist to head high, with the odd freak set throwing a little more grunt. But while the waves were playing nice, the crowd? Not so much. It was absolute carnage out there this morning. A weird mix of beginners going […]

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Lucky shorey frame, right place, right shutter speed, right light

Waves & Shutters

I’ve not taken photos in the brine for a while, as the conditions haven’t been right. Shooting in the water is my favourite type of photography, even better than dangling out the side of a helicopter. Especially on sublime Autumn mornings, when the water is crystal clear and warm, the sunlight crispy and golden. The […]

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Water sculptures, South Bondi

Glow & Go

It was a very picturesque Monday to kick off the week. Colourful hues ignited above Ben Buckler whilst 1-2 footers peeled into the bay from the East. Yesterday was an incredible Sunday – everywhere was pumping with no wind, plenty of swell and sunshine. Bondi was fantastic, with enormous crowds feasting on 4-5 foot piping […]

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Little Viking dropping into a hollow one, Bondi 7:30am

Clearing Skies

The sun is out, let’s party! Oh, don’t worry – the rain will return by 2 p.m., but at least you had a dry half-day. The waves were clean as the onshore flow finally dropped. It’s decent, 3-4 foot and well worth a paddle. Over the years, Aquabumps has helped lots of people. You’d be […]

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