Large waves break near the airport in Lyall Bay, Wellington.
Lyall Bay is Wellington’s most popular surf beach. This dramatic photo was taken there last October during massive swells, which reached the south coast of Wellington following a storm event south of New Zealand.
“Getting this shot was not for the faint hearted, and I witnessed a fellow photographer with his camera gear unexpectedly drenched knee-deep in seawater! The waves tossed debris onto the local roads and eroded sand from the beach. This photo captures the impressive and somewhat frightening power of the waves. Together with rising sea levels, it’s poignant reminder of the increasing risks we face from extreme weather events as a result of climate change,” said Rob.