Gorgeous sky, wonderful rocks and surf. I suppose there was improvement in the black shadows coming from the use of HDR. I think this one needs a little bit different composition. 8
I shall be rating this challenge by the following criteria:
1 - Not HDR in my opinion
3 - HDR is way over-done, in my opinion
5 - A reasonable use of HDR, but not a very engaging photo, in my opinion
7 - A reasonable use of HDR, and an engaging photo, in my opinion
10 - A fantastic use of HDR, and an out of this world photo, in my opinion
Your photo receives:
5 - but barely. There is very little indication of any real HIGH dynamic range her. It rests on the cusp of simply being very properly exposed, to my eyes, but there is evidence of controlled highlights that let it pass into the 5 vote territory.