If waves had a CV, Skeleton Bayโs would mention: - Top #2 longest running wave on earth - Top #2 recognisable wave-shape on earth - Other : Revolutionised modern surfing.
Worth a duck dive, right? Besides, what else do you know of Namibia?
Why Skeleton Bay?
If you donโt know about it, well you should. If you do, chances are you love seeing more of it. This wave is completely unique in its length, shape and speed all the way through the point.
Side note - Fuck mass media excitement, big titles and corny articles. I didnโt create The Duck Dive to over-hype the topics I touch on, but Iโm honestly comfortable saying that this wave is totally mesmerising and that youโve never seen anything like it.
The excitement you get from that one wave that was just a little longer and a little faster is what keeps surfers coming back. Memory making waves - the ones that tap into a different level of consciousness and completely stretch time for a while. Skeleton bay offers just that kind of wave, but on tap and to the power of ten.
โI was like totally numb. My mind was struggling to comprehend what I had experienced.โ - Craig Anderson
That little excerpt from Craigโs interview speaks to how different this wave is and how it raised the bar of tube riding. I have personally mind-surfed this wave a lot, boy it was good. The mere sight of it peeling away sets people like Taj Burrow (retired pro surfing legend) back to frothing like a teenager rushing to his local break after school. The most common reaction you get in clips from skeleton bay is โBraaahโฆ hands down, best wave of my life right hereโ with the most genuine smile stretching an overly sun-screened face. Just ask our little friend bellow (for full wave and audio follow this link):
The Duck Dive opinion
First, Iโd say Iโm not surprised that itโs a life-changing ride. Itโs a geological miracle that a good mix of water, wind and sand produces such a thing. As explained bellow, itโs likely ephemeral too - like a gift from the surfing gods - something that was meant to exist at some point.
Second, it better be a ducking amazing ride : pros have struggled to make it back on land due to exhaustion and the power of the waves - leading to somewhat relatable stories of the moment they realisedโฆโwtf am I doing hereโ.
Paddling for one of those waves looks like trying to catch a shooting train.
Add to that the sharks โplayingโ with the seals below the surfaceโฆ yeah, that wave better be A***.
Third, Iโm pretty sure itโs one of those things where our imagination barely even scratches the surface of how life-changing it is. Like big wave surfing, or wing suit flying ๐คฏ. Damn, when do we grow a pair and actually find out for ourselves?
Fourth, the gif bellow is taken from Koa Smithโs 3min long video (no slow-mo) โ1 wave 8 barrelsโ. Itโs the one video you must see to understand what weโre talking about. Spoiler: barrel ahead.
The story
Iโd love to tell the story of Skeleton Bay in my own words, but if anything Iโd be paraphrasing this great video. Iโm not sure I could have explained the many ways in which this wave can kill you and the pure stoke that surfers still get from it. Plus, you would have missed out on some of the finest Namibian fishermen accents. How tragic?
โDonโt get into that bottom section, you will be looking like something thatโs just come out of a meat grinder.โ - Local fisherman.
When beautiful and fascinating surf-related content is readily available - Iโm more than happy to share it untouched and let it work its own magic.
IG of the week:
Patagonia athletes have always gladly put their bodies on the line for environmental causesโฆ Well done Lea !
Song of the week:
Mood for March ๐ฒ๐ฝ ๐