Outside Dungeons by Alan van Gysen in Kommetjie, Cape Town, South Africa

When the surf gets big in Cape Town, South Africa, all big wave surfers pull out their rhino chasers and head for Dungeons. But when the surf gets too big for Dungeons, the indicator another mile out to sea gets even bigger, and it becomes a whole different ball game. Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker is one of the only humans to have ever surfed this mutant spot, and you can see why. Only surfable by jetski, he had to be traveling as fast as this giant wave. Note the erratic line drawn by his surfboard. He literally skipped down the face of this 80-foot plus monster, navigating two-meter airdrops every split second on his way down. Imagine how fast he was traveling, and how focused he had to be. That is how good Twiggy is. One of the best big wave surfers in the world.

Name:Alan van Gysen

Place you live: Kommetjie, Cape Town, South Africa

Place your photo was taken: Tafelberg Reef – Outside Dungeons, Cape Town, South Africa

Surfer: Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker

Can you sum up your spot? A stones throw away from my home lies the mighty Atlantic Ocean in the deep south of Cape Town at the tip of Africa. It is here I surf, paddle and enjoy life with my family, absorbing the beauty of life in all it’s serenity and picturesque magnitude that Africa offers every day.

Occupation: Professional photographer

Preoccupation: Surfer

A perfect day in Kommetjie? Early morning SUP paddle before the sun rises followed by a hearty breakfast. A bit of photo work, lunch and then an epic afternoon surf once the offshore makes my local break perfect and barreling. A walk on the beach with my family and dogs in the evening and then home to chill and read.

If someone was visiting, what must they do? Surf, drive, eat out, see the beautiful sights and absorb the culture and wilderness.

A perfect meal in South Africa? A braai. African barbecue with meat and veggies cooked in or on top of wood fire coals.

What is the best thing about your spot? The pristine beach, clear water, barrels and accessibility.

What is the worst? The sharks and freezing cold summer waters.

A little known fact about where you live? Number one breeding ground for great white sharks

Where is your favorite place in the world? Kommetjie, Cape Town, my home.

Who are your three favorite photographers? Timothy AllenChris Burkard and John Callahan. But there are countless others who inspire me.

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