Surf Photo Friday – Kelly Nicely and the Pelican Session

Surf Photo Friday - Kelly Nicely and the Pelican Session When it comes to favorite animals, birds in particular, the choice nearest my heart is the pelican. The awkward bird glides along waves with a grace that's without rival, but when she dives for a meal, she does so with the elegance of a falling sack of potatoes. One morning not long ago while driving up and over the bridge that parallels the San Luis Rey, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw what looked to be a hundred surfers bobbing up and down in the water at South Jetty. As I drove closer I realized just how much I need glasses--there wasn't a single surfer in the lineup, but the break was packed with several hundred pelicans. I didn't have any particular plans to shoot that morning but upon seeing the frenzy in the water, I knew it was time for a swim. The waves were pretty tiny so I called one of my best friends, North Carolina's Kelly Nicely, who I knew owned a beautiful, bright yellow Takayama single fin that would work perfectly in the shin-high peelers. I was curious if the birds would hang out there with us if we paddled out amongst them. Sadly, by the time we got all our gear together, the feeding frenzy had subsided and most of the flock had flown away. Undeterred, Kelly paddled out in front of the remaining pelicans posted up on the jetty and scored a few noserides before we called it a day. I'm not sure if it's the timeless single fin, my favorite birds, or hanging with my good friend, but whatever the reason, this session is one I'll always remember. Photos: Chris Grant / Jettygirl.com
Previous Surf Photo Fridays | Mary Osborne & Her Beloved 9'10" Cooperfish Single Fin | Kelia Moniz, Megan Godinez, Geodee Clark & Bruna Schmitz | Kamalehua Keohokapu | Claire Bevilacqua | Lulu Erkeneff | Alexa Frantz |Rebecca Woods | Silvana Lima | Alessa Quizon
Additional Resources: Kelly Nicely on Instagram Kelly Nicely on Facebook Hawaiian Pro Designs Noah Ka Oi - Takayama boards, fins, and apparel
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