Easter weekend was over spring tide. The moon was almost full, and the waves were ranging between 2 and 4 meters with a right break. It was heaven, even though I did get eaten quite a few of times.
But this post isn't about my dream wave. Its about waves that people have no idea exist, and waves that will probably never get ridden. A short walk from our campsite in Langebaan was another stretch of secluded beach. The waves here looked just as magical. I didn't get a chance to ride them, because my wrist was giving me problems, but I'm making a point of charging them next time.
Taking a drive out to Saldanha Navel Base, where access is highly restricted and not really a place you'd expect to see someone with a board tied to their roof. There is a small section of about 200m of beach between 2 rock outcrops that the officers use to torture the troops by having what they call "Beach Parties." Access to the beach is tricky in itself as it involves a steep decent over sharp rocks and thorns, but the reward is mind-blowing. Its a discovery I made last year February as we were staying in 2 houses that are for rent there. The wave doesn't have a definite break, but that doesn't stop you from getting some tube time. Quite a paddle, but after a dip in the sand, you can pretty much walk in waist deep water to where the waves form.
Backtracking a bit to the Saldanha Harbour, A small blink-and-you'll-miss-it road just to the left of the Navel Base's main gate. A long-ish drive through an access controlled boom that leads to the Port Control tower, and down a gravel road. There is a stretch of pure rock where you can see some people fishing. There breaks a wave that I am itching to take on, but I know I wont because of the dangers. So much potential. Glassy barrels that will give you an amazing 2 second ride before smashing you into the rocks.
The point of telling you about these waves may seem pointless, but this post isn't so much about surfing as it is potential. There are so many waves out there that will never be ridden. Perfect waves that break too shallow, or over a rocky outcrop, waves that are just too small to be ridden, but that look inviting. Then there are those waves that radiate perfection in every way imaginable that lie hidden in the far corners of Indo and other small islands that are just waiting to be discovered. The same is true for people. People can go their whole lives without realizing their dreams. Without discovering their true talent. Without taking a leap of faith that will change their lives forever. I think people are too scared to take the drop.
People spend too much time doing what's expected of them and too little time exploring themselves. They live and they die without discovering themselves and what makes them truly happy. Their potential gets lost in the rush of society, while some people are over-exploited and no longer find pleasure in what they once loved.
A balance does exist though, to those who are brave enough to seek it. The first step to realizing the balance it to discover your passion and what can drive you to experience a feeling that will make living worthwhile. The next step is to practice it. To enjoy it, and most importantly, to preserve it. Because in that moment, of feeling like you can do anything, that's when you discover your true potential.
Excuse the quality of these photos, they were taken with something that wasn't quite a camera.
Off Saldanha Harbour
Langebaan sunset
The joys of spring tide
The beach away from the campsite
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