Surfing in heavy seas

Kommetjie residents awoke to a scene of chaotic kelp this morning, after a particularly boisterous spring high tide during the night and early morning. While some of us can reminisce over previous lashings the path along the bay has received over the years, it was a matter of some excitement for those who are not used to seas of this immensity and power. The waves at the lighthouse washed up the rocky embankment (some 10 metres or so high) and scoured the sand under the boardwalk, while the backwash as the tide receded looked as though it was the precursor of a tsunami - today is the 10th anniversary of that disastrous event. Seaweed was piled high on both sides of the path and every so often a wave swept over it, catching early spectators unawares and wetting a few.

The onset of the southeaster changed the waves by the next high tide but they remained impressive and by then every surfer available had headed for the Inner Kom! Spectators lined the rocks and a festive atmosphere prevailed as surfers rode in on the waves, clambered out (not too difficult as they were pretty much deposited on the path) and jogged back along the path, boards under arms, to start again without the effort of paddling out against the surge.  We certainly love the spectacle of powerful nature - from a safe distance!