The image of the rock face above is the 3rd face in my recent triptych Nā Kāhu Pōhaku (Rock Guardians). It is a mixed media piece based on images I photographed of faces in rock that I found, formed by erosion. This spot is one of the places I go to film the ocean. It can be very dangerous when large surf is breaking. I have witnessed some close calls, and even helped save a life by calling 911 to get help for a stranger who was swept out to sea on a day of very large surf (it was written about in the LA Times. She was airlifted by helicopter out of the water.) I’ve experienced a few close calls of my own, and I’ve lost all of my equipment to the ocean in this place for 10 years in a row, sometimes more than once in a year. Fortunately I did not lose any equipment this year, so I think I am learning!
It can be treacherous on more than one level, the ocean is the most volatile hazard, and the sea spray on days of massive surf can make the rock extremely slippery - it is solid rock and very steep, a fall would result in broken bones at the very least. It is often very windy, which is another hazard that could easily cause a fall. Because of the remote nature of the place, I am usually alone. and occasionally a stranger shows up - I’ve experienced a few sketchy moments in that way as well. Fotunately I’ve escaped serious injury, though narrowly at times.