A tribute to South Australia’s west coast – a surf paradise
- Text by Thomas Ling
- Photography by Thomas Ling
Much of the countryside on the South Australian west coast is desolate and remote. 800 kilometres from Adelaide, it nears the last frontier of civilisation, before entering the Great Australian Bight.
For hundreds of years, this coastline has been home only to farmers and travellers. It’s not until recent years, upon discovery of the number of world-class surf setups, that people have travelled from around Australia and internationally to taste what the Southern Ocean has to offer.
The social dynamic evident throughout surfing communities on the west coast is constantly changing. Local surfers have attempted to maintain a sense of ownership and possession towards certain locations, yet there’s still an increasing number who travel thousands of kilometres to experience what is one of the most harshly beautiful environments in Australia.
It’s not the increased foot traffic that poses the most risk to the local environment, though. It is the ever-increasing threat of exploitation due to offshore oil drilling. Prior to pulling out of its bid to drill in the Bight, BP admitted that their modelling suggested that if there was an oil spill, there would be very little anyone could do about it.
Patagonia recently released their Never Town conservation surf film, exploring what these coastlines at risk mean to surfers. It served as a call to arms for activism against the misuse of natural environments. The aim of my photographs is to support this message further, and to highlight the importance of the South Australian coastline – not only for environmental reasons, but for the spiritual significance to the people that travel there.
See more of Thomas Ling’s work on his official website, or follow him on Instagram.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
The art of paying attention: How Austria’s Alps reward slowing down
Lebensgefühl — With a growing movement of art and music rooted in the area’s mountains, trees and waterfalls, the region is showcasing the importance of the human relationship to nature.
Written by: Sophie Lou Wilson
Grainy, yearning memories of Europe’s ’90s free rave heyday
Never Alone — A new photobook from Cheyenne Clementi and Valentina Morandi presents pictures they made over seven years while touring the continent as part of the Tekno Mobil Squad soundsystem crew. It archives parties, people and a lifestyle largely consigned to the past.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Queer resistance & sun-soaked solidarity at the world’s largest trans pride march
Our Future, Our Fight — Over the weekend, over 150,000 people marched at the London Trans+ Pride, with the parade ending at Trafalgar Square for the first time in history.
Written by: Ella Glossop
In photos: Black Texas life since emancipation
Kinship & Community — A new photobook and exhibition showcases the rich culture, history and community of African American folks in the Lone Star State, whose existence in the region predates colonial Britain.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Youthful joy & end-of-era poignancy at a London school prom
Leavers — For several years, Lewis Khan documented young people as they celebrated the last of their school days and the completion of their exams. The series is now collated in a new self-published photobook and short film.
Written by: Zoe Whitfield
Harry Gruyaert’s vintage, kaleidoscopic scenes of New York
A Sense of Place — For 50 years, the Belgian photographer and Magnum Photos member has been capturing NYC’s colourful chaos. A new photobook and exhibition showcase his unique, technicolour view of the city.
Written by: Miss Rosen
