I am lucky enough to have a wife who comes from the beautiful island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean, so I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks there recently. It is an amazing place–so much to see, do, experience, taste, explore. Réunion has some of the best waves in the world–Kelly Slater won the Rip Curl Saint Leu on the 1996 World Tour. But more recently it has become famous for something else: shark attacks. There have been five fatal attacks in the last two years, the most recent just a few weeks ago.
So while it was great to go there and see St Leu cranking on my last day on the island, it’s a real shame to see these amazing waves rolling through unridden. When all the sections link up in a big St Leu swell, you can ride the wave for 300m. There were a few SUP boarders out–with no need to dangle limbs and with a weapon in hand, perhaps they feel more confident in the sharky waters.
Anyway, it was still a great experience to shoot some waves over there and enjoy the amazing water colors and backdrops. And there’s plenty more to do besides surfing. A trek to the remote village of Mafate, freshwater swimming at Trois Bassins waterfalls, snorkelling and lazing in the beautiful warm lagoons. Hoping for another trip soon!
See more from Simon at www.simonjayphotography.com and follow him on Instagram @simonjayphotos
