Otis Carey, Mackenzies bay, Sydney

Despite the lack of swell in Sydney today, Otis Carey, 22, still found some fun peaks at Mackenzies. That’s him above, laying down a pocket wrap in the rocky bay this afternoon. When asked why Mackenzies is picking up what other spots are missing, Otis told Stab that “there’s a lot of sand in there at the moment, and I think this swell direction is good for the spot.”

The water in Sydney usually begins bordering on uncomfortable in autumn. But, as you can see here, Otis is rocking trunks. “The water was so, so warm and so clear,” he said. “I’ve never felt it this warm (at this time of year in Sydney) before, ever.”

Every time we see a photo of Otis, he has the same spray underfoot (like the last full frame we ran of him). What’s the story behind it? “Well, they’re the colours of the Aboriginal flag. I actually am Aboriginal, so that’s just a proud statement for me.” – Ziggy Alberts