Surfing Cyclone Irina
March 3, 2011 – day 1: Cyclone Irina moves near the east coast of South Africa
Day 1 was a practice day for the big boys – the big wave tow in specialists. Leading the charge was Jason Ribbink pulled by his big-wave partner, Clinton Cilliers.
But the local lads were out in force too.
Two chaps, Mitch Harty and Shaun Thompson were graceful models for some epic surf shots taken from the pier.
The body-boarders were out there too – slicing and dropping off the lip.
March 4, 2011 – Day 2: Cyclone Irina hits the east coast of South Africa
Day 2 of cyclone Irina’s thrashing of the east coast of South Africa was a gray, rainy, miserable affair, unless of course you’re a big wave surfer and you get your kicks from taming growling waves that crash around you
Led by Jason Ribbink who pioneered tow-in-big-wave surfing in South Africa brave souls milked the waves for everything on offer. It was an adrenalin-filled morning of multiple sets, quick thinking jet ski tow-in specialists and scything surfing.
Difficult to photograph because of the rain and the lack of light, it has to rate as one of the more exciting morning’s photography I had the good fortune to experience.
Enjoy the images.
Waiting for cyclone Irina to arrive
On the afternoon of March 8 2011, cyclone Irina’s winds finally dropped to 35 knots reducing it to a storm. At this point it was still in the southern Mozambique Channel, south east of Maputo, Mozambique, and heading westwards. On 12 March what was left of Irina made landfall over the Gaza Province, and simply dissipated.
Cyclone Irina’s path through the southern Indian ocean over Madagascar and down the east coast of Mozambique and South AfricaIrina’s journey began on 22 February in the south west Indian ocean. She battered Madagascar and parts of Mozambique and brought waves ranging from 3 to 5 metres to South Africa.
The lads in Durban though, were primed and ready for what she had to bring and there was an air of palpable excitement as weather conditions worsened.
Early morning Durban beachfront before cyclone Irina arrives
Big wave surfers were readying their boards and pull-in jet-skis. Old hands and the young and strong were itching to go while photographers and Joe Public were keen for the action. The weather forecast was on everyone’s mind with radar maps, webcams and radios being constantly monitored.