Avoca Beach

I had been to Avoca Beach a few times since moving to the Central Coast and I knew it was a location I wanted to go and shoot at. I arrived just before dawn and found that surfers were already getting amongst the bountiful waves that Avoca Beach delivers.

I began bay getting some video and still shots of the beach and the sunrise which was just under way. However, Mother Nature had other plans for my amazing sunrise shots. Clouds were blocking my view of the sunrise and would hang around for most of the morning. Undeterred, I made the most of it and soon shifted my focus to the throng of surfers now gathered in the surf.

Before I knew it I was gathering action shots of surfers riding waves and I couldn’t have been more stoked by what I was catching. I think the surfers were enjoying the attention as well. More than a few would stop by where I was sitting to ask if I had caught them riding the last wave. I really enjoyed engaging with the surfers there that morning. One surfer, in particular, made a point of stopping by for a chat. I quickly realised it wasn’t me he was coming by to speak to but to say hello to a mate who was no longer with us.

I has been sitting along the Avoca Beach Memorial Walk. The walk is home to memorials which commemorate the lives of Avoca Beach locals. One in particular, belonged to Mark “Sanga” Sainsbury. Mark was a legend amongst surfers in his time and still is to this day. Known for developing and perfecting the skill of riding on top of a breaking wave; it appeared as though he were floating. The move became known as the “floater”. His was a life cut short but his memory lives on.

It was a humbling experience to stand in that place and I’m grateful for the opportunity the learn more about the Central Coast and it’s community.

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Avoca Beach is located about 1 hour 30 minutes North of Sydney.