Meanwhile, Far From Margaret River

Of all the prejudices of pundits, presentism is the strongest. It is the assumption that what is happening now, won’t keep on happening, and everything will be trying to stop it. Which is why disappointment is a frequent and immediate consequence of a missed opportunity. And there is nothing more disheartening than a vacant wave frozen in motion courtesy of a timely lens. 

Fall in South Africa is a bright, crisp time. Chilly, clear, reeling and empty — apparently. It’s hard to look at for too long. At some point, the emotional urges are inescapable, and next thing you know the bags are packed waiting at the door with first class ticket booked to O. R. Tambo International.   

“With a strong autumn swell lined up at 226 degrees and an aptly-facing beach break on the southern peninsula with a literal ‘blown-off-your-feet’ offshore,” reflects photographer Anthony Fox on the vacant South African right. “This spot cranked for hours before there were any takers, I watched countless barrels pour through unridden. Guess that can leave more to the imagination sometimes.”