Jani
We’ve arrived at the Noonu Atoll, Maldives, searching for the bluest water on the planet. We’re on the island of Medhufaru where Soneva Jani lies.
It’s a dreamy, idyllic place where two long jetties into a giant lagoon connect your room to the land. It’s like living on a boat; everywhere you look, there is the ocean (even the loo has a glass floor). Water slides, outdoor cinemas, and seabobs have kept my tykes busy while wifie and I try to circumnavigate the island via lagoon.
It’s an incredible place to photograph. I’ve not seen the ocean this intensely coloured; it just doesn’t look real.
Aquabumps is happy here, even though I suspect a local conspiracy to keep the waves away from me (and you). I’ve only seen one-footers around this island, and everyone points in all directions to where there’s more swell (to throw me off the scent).
:: uge
P.S. R.I.P Neil Rogers you legend, I am gonna miss your smiling face every morning down at Icebergs.
Away / Mol·deevz
It’s been 14 years since my last visit to the world’s lowest islands – Maldives (mol·deevz). I love this place; it’s a giant aquatic playground with 1192 islands (only a fifth are inhabited). Try scrolling through Instagram without seeing an idyllic image of crystal blue water and tiny islands in the Maldives—impossible. So many come […]
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Abrupt Chills
And just like that, the switch has been flicked; we’ve got chilly mornings with large southerly winter swells. Bring out the jumpers from storage. Bondi was relatively empty compared to a few weeks ago. Two surfers were out, but there were not many people on the sand. The waves are 6 feet solid, maybe bigger, […]
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South Chump Change
As I write this, a south change is moving from stage right. It’s bringing wind and waves – lots of wind. Tonight expect SSW 30 knots plus. The wave energy will ramp, and tomorrow, you’ll see conditions similar to last Saturday’s 8-footers. It will be very messy with all that wind, but interesting nonetheless. Have […]
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Downshifting
It’s been quite dramatic around here lately. The storm (like a Typhoon) that ripped Sydney on Friday night passed quickly, leaving a string of days with glorious weather and waves. Saturday was solid, 10ft, yesterday 4-6, today 2-3….as the swell energy downshifts through its gears. It’s surfable now, and the morning was sunny and warm…before […]
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Randomness
We’re all freaking out cause it’s gonna rain for a few days – some say 100mm tomorrow (so stoked as there’s no roof on most of my house currently under reno). Those dreamy after-work scorchers spent dunking in the ocean are over – for now. The beach and waves looked dire this morning—onshore, dark grey, […]
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Level
It’s rare for Bondi to be this flat. There’s always something. This morning the ocean was motionless, still, level…like a lake. It is good for a swim, but not so good for a surf. Tomorrow, there will be more wave energy, but the weekend will host the biggest waves of the week. Friday will be […]
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Return
The Easter break is over, and the Bondi sunrise colours resume. It’s a beautiful warm morning in Sydney as we head to a top of 29 degrees. There is a high chance of rain today, with tiny surf. It will be tiny all week until a big kahuna swell arrives over the weekend. Bells are […]
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Recent Work
I’ve been waiting for a lame, grey, onshore day to show you a few pics from my recent adventures. In contrast to today’s bland flavour, recently, we’ve been blessed with epic ocean colours and endless beach weather. I didn’t shoot anything today, which is rare for me. It’s a great day to be inside and […]
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il Bronte
Bronte, that little cove bay around the corner where plenty amass before work. It’s always good when the southerly is howling, having a big protecting cliff face on the south side. Bogey Hole, the rock pool next to the ocean pool, is one of Sydney’s busiest little water patches. It’s always a good angle on […]
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Late Riser
At 7:03 a.m., the sun is rising on Bondi. It’s late. Big crowds were early, though, awaiting a glimpse of how today would begin. It was onshore, and the tide was too low when I shot this morning. I rated it very poorly as it appeared opportunityless for surfers. Go for a swim, hula, medi or […]
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Autumn Light
Autumn light is a photographer’s delight! There’s something special about this time of year when the sun tucks around the back of Ben Buckler, the morning humid haze has gone, leaving crispy, clean, warm sun rays to illuminate my favourite subject—Bondi! There are waves, head high on sets, gentle NW winds and a clear sky […]
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Polarising
As we shift deeper into autumn, most of the morning was covered in darkness. I waited around for sufficient light, looking forward to the time change. In the middle, Onewave celebrated its 11th Birthday – congrats, Grant and crew, for spreading the good vibes down at Bondi on Friday for so long! There are plenty […]
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Blog Archive
Every post since Aquabumps.com went live in 2004