Storm Rider
Storm Rider
by Ellen Rice
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When a hurricane is off of our coast, one of the first things I like to do is go check out the surf and see what the waves look like, shoot photographs and see what local surfers are doing, usually but not always, after the storm has passed. That's when the surf is larger - and smoother. After hurricane Isabel, I discovered a fair sized group of surfers striving to conquer the huge waves in Bethany Beach in front of the old Addy Sea Bed and Breakfast. It was toward the end of the day, the sun had come out and storm clouds had gone out to sea. As the sun got lower in the sky it lent peach tones to the clouds and the waves, which drew my eyes from an artistic standpoint. The surfers were gathering a crowd of post-storm watchers. What drew my eyes the most was watching those guys, most but not all in wet suits, waiting for the perfect swell while one kept paddling ahead of some of the biggest swells and catching every one he went after. The others watched and mostly hung back. I can see why. People from this area who look at this painting say, "That's not Bethany. We don't get waves like that." I've got a series of photos that prove we do. This painting was inspired by one of them. The size of the wave is not exaggerated. They were huge and they came in groups, one bigger than the next. It's worth going out particularly after a storm passes to see these super athletes on their boards. I saw some boards flying in the air after they came out from under their riders. It's risky business, but exhilarating to watch. The two best places to watch surfers in Delaware are between Garfield Parkway and Pennsylvania Ave. in Bethany and on the north side of Indian River Inlet at "The Cove," otherwise known as "Coin Beach." Surfing isn't for everyone. I tried briefly, very briefly, on the north side of the inlet and provided much amusement for my late husband and his best friend. Better to watch. :) Ellen |
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