Pretty scene. I like the rhythm of the incoming waves, producing nice repetitive patterns. Onlookers add to a sense of story and identification with the viewer.
Shadows are a bit too dark for my taste.
The fronds are too much: too large entry into the corner of the frame. Center top fronds are distracting and should be removed.
No EXIF info attached so I'm not sure about the advice, but the fronds are out of focus, adding to their distracting element. Movement? Aperture setting?
I've taken the liberty of re-working a little (non-calibrated monitor which displays too dark) to try to add more to the highlights...can't spend more than a couple of minutes...
but in general I agree with Scott & Scott
Luke welcome to the forum. Pretty much everyone has put in their 2 cents and I
agree in general with what was said. I would like to comment on the composition:
It lacks balance.
You should look at compositions from 3 basic point of views:
Symmetric/Assymetric/ and the 3rd type being one where all the elements draw
the eye to the middle part of the image. This image is assymmetric and somewhat
unbalanced.
Please don't let my words demotivate you as that is not my intent.
Let me give you also another advice. Rules are meant to be broken and if you feel
strongly about the path you are following, go with that bliss, and disregard us.