Bondi 6:30am, salubrious morning light

El Presidente

Good morning Chicas + Chicos.

Nice sunrise today before the stinkin’ rain hit. It’s going to be 25 degrees today, possible thunderstorm later and SE winds.

Swell is tiny (waist high waves) and kinda weak – I’d pass. I didn’t get to shoot any surfing pics before the rain.

See that portrait below, well that is Alex. He’s ‘The Spaniard’ that patrols the promenade most mornings dressed in the regal El Presidente outfit. He doesn’t live in Bondi, he wouldn’t tell me where, but gets up at 5:30am, buffs the paton leathers and dons the crisp white suit, picks a fresh red rose for the pocket and rolls down to Bondi for his walk. Half way through his walk he’ll roll a cigarette, assess the surf conditions and bow his hat at all the ladies. I asked him if he ever wore trackies – nope – he dresses like this every day. I also asked him why he likes Bondi “the activity…(in a strong Spanish accent)…I love all the people up early doing sumpin’”…me too my friend, me too.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the Aquabumps ladies.

Adios :: Ugios

PS – if you can’t find yesterday’s photo update from me, there wasn’t one. I had to do something else.

El Presidente - Alex, the best dressed man down at Bondi

Morning joggers on the path

Benny's Buckler, the light before the storm

This is Bondi Beach

Static

I had to stick a wave shot in, just 1. Hawaii - off Waimea

13 thoughts on “El Presidente

  1. Thanks for the glimmer of sunshine in our lives every day. Winter Up Over (in Ireland) so we can only dream of no wet suits and attempting to ride Bondi tubes!!!!

  2. Brilliant – what a guy.
    Received your beautiful book for Christmas.
    It lives proudly at our beach house on Kangaroo Island SA
    We are sure all our guests will love it
    Hope to see you over there one day shooting the KI surf event!
    Awesome work Uge, you are a legend.

  3. Great images, I’m not a surfer but your email makes a great break to the days work. I often see Alex in Bexley on my way to work in the morning, usually out side a cafe where I suspect he gets his morning coffee. I’ve often wonder who the nattily dressed dude was.

  4. Captured perfectly!!
    I was running along the beachfront and passed Alex many times this morning. Was waiting to see if he was rendezvousing with a lucky lady for V Day, good to hear your story about him.

    When the Bottoms Up girls (and one guy??) left the beach the most amazing rainbow hit their spot in the sand in the downpour. Gotta love Bondi!!!

  5. Uge, gotta ask. The Alex shot. How’d you do it mate? It has incredible contrast.

    Only been on your list a short, love your work.

  6. Regarding the el presidente

    This fascinating chap is often spotted in Hurstville usually at the Ritz Hotel in Forest Road around lunch time. Always dressed up the nines – often in black. So when he finishes his morning constitutional at Bondi he heads down our way with spinkle in his step and twinkle in his eye. Often wondered about his story as I write songs about Sydney characters.

    Regards
    Craig

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