Everyday waves can be beautiful, too. Photo: Tim Bonython // YouTube
Tim Bonython is most often seen staring down behemoths. Whether it’s in Nazare, Teahupo’o, or Cape Solander, the videographer is synonymous with big waves. However, his latest project took him closer to home. In his latest video, entitled “Avalon Winter Chills,” Bonython gave us a look at his home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
As he explains in the caption, Bonython grew up in Adelaide, but has spent most of his life living in Sydney. In 2002, he his family moved to Avalon Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. “When I’m not chasing monster swells around Australia, you’ll often find me swimming through the lineup at Avalon with my camera housing, documenting the local surfers and the incredible community that calls this beach home,” he explained. “This film is a tribute to that place. It’s about early morning light, crystal-clear water, perfect waves, and the people who make Avalon so special. It’s a reminder that while I love documenting some of the heaviest waves on Earth, sometimes the most meaningful stories are found right in your own backyard.”
What follows is a lovingly crafted portrait of a much different kind of surfing than we’re used to from Bonython. It’s local breaks where average waves are surfed by average Joes. And though we’ll always eagerly await the next video portrayal of a thundering monstrosity, it’s nice to see everyday surfing portrayed with the same level of care.
