The charts were predicting 6 meters of swell with 16 second period. Big stormy waves would be order of day, and maybe a bit of surf action at some of the most sheltered spots. So it was up early and head to somewhere exposed for some dramatic storm photos. Driving to Hartland before dawn the signs were good, wind, hail and even the flicker of lightning.
Waves crash over Ilfracombe harbour
Unfortunately the storm had blown through overnight much faster than expected, leaving much smaller seas than expected. That combined with small 8m tides meant I’d be hard pressed to get spectacular crashing wave images. I checked a couple of hidden coves that I’d hoped would might be surfable, no joy there, so I headed north to Ilfracombe for high tide. It’s a reliable storm spot with the potential for massive waves breaking over the harbour wall, and if you get the right angle, man-made structures and even people can be captured giving a sense of scale that’s often lacking in this type of photo.
Late afternoon - Saunton Sands
As usual a few adventurous souls were wave dodging and I fired off a few shots, tried a couple of different angles waiting for the biggest sets. It wasn’t as big as I’d hoped or even expected, gutted. It was then time to packup and do some proper work. RMB Chivenor for coverage of one of the regular family days followed by local footy action, Braunton FC clots v Landkey Town FC then finally off to the ever popular Saunton Sands Hotel for a Wedding dress Fashion show. With the last Job running overtime I could hear the daylight clock counting down in my head. Would I be able to make it to Lynmouth before the sun went down? I decided that if i drove like the Stig I might just make it, so sense prevailed and with one last drive-by of Saunton and Croyde it was off home for some Sunday Dinner.
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