Camera-mad Whitey loves to strap things on and mount anything he can. So what happens when a ‘healthy interest’ in capturing POV action reaches obsession? Big Dave went to South Africa with the aim of fixing every type of camera and clamp to his playmate’s toys to see which angles give the most satisfaction.
(This feature originally appeared in the July 2013 issue of Windsurf Magazine. To read more features like this first, Print and Digital subscriptions are available. Prices include delivery globally for 10 x issues a year!))
The phone woke me as it pinged, announcing that an email had just dropped into my inbox. I rolled over and tried to get back to sleep, thinking that, at 4 a.m., it could only be yet more spam. But as always, curiosity got the better of me, so I reached for the phone and, squinting at the screen through bleary eyes, I could just make out the subject line from Roberto Ricci: “Can you join us in South Africa?”.
I was instantly awake and groping around to find my glasses (apparently that comes to us all) so I could take in the full details. “I’m going to be in Cape Town over the winter with some of the team. Would be great if you and your camera could join us, Roberto”.
KEEPING THINGS INTERESTING
Sleep didn’t visit me again that night. All I could think about was the trip. I’d only been to Cape Town once before, but wind had been in short supply so a return visit had always been on-the-cards. Besides, although winter was still a few months away I didn’t need reminding that any ticket out of the cold is a golden one. But that wasn’t what was keeping me awake.
“You and your camera” suggested this wasn’t going to be a lads’ trip. Don’t misunderstand me, she’s my perfect partner and is by my side on every trip. She knows the secret to a perfect relationship is not living in each other’s pockets, so while I flirt with the wind and waves she’s happy to relax in the comfort of her luxury protective Peli Case, but always ready to perform at the click of a finger on my return.