April 26th. Autumn day in Cape Town. The swell was running from the
south west at a 17 second wave period. Quiet day - no wind. Was passing
doodles in Blouberg looking for a good surf break. Doodles was glassy
and the waves were building into beautiful 4-6 metre high walls with the long wave
period allowing them to develop power. There were quite a few surfers out
and there was a vibe there as others watched and more readied
themselves to go in. Cars were stopping and soon the car park was full. Stoke
was in the air.
Then I spotted this guy about to launch his jetski. Did'nt think much of it, as I am not really a fan of mixing jetskis with surfing unless it is for towing in or rescue / safety. Have had them buzzing around whilst out in the waves and it can be quite annoying especially if there are a few. They are like a swarm of bees and mess up the breaks.
However one launch off a wave and this guy had my attention.
Up and over he goes.
Takes his one leg off the ski and his one hand off the bars whilst doing a somersault.
As I said not really a fan of engine power in the wave zone but this jetskier had refined his moves to an art, and I have time for that. Whoohoo !!!
Seeing I am told in a comment that this guy is Jake Montadon ( thank you for that ) - one of the top freeride jet skiers in the world I have added a few bonus pics.