DARK FUN
Some surf locations need no introduction, however, if you're still unsure let me just say it's one of the wildest and most dangerous locations in the world for surfer and photographer. Great whites don't seem to mind the bitterly cold conditions.
“Only for the brave and experienced”
A complex beast with it's own idiosyncrasies - formed out of deep water, powerful and strong. An ocean swell that meets with an irregular shaped rock bottom causing a series of steps - ledges and holes that have to be negotiated at your own peril. A set of skills that need to be applied if you're to make it to the bottom of each one - to then negotiate the next ledge.
“Imagine if you’re on your back hand, multiply level of difficulty a thousand times - surfing by instinct”
There's a definite commitment required to take on these death slabs. A small crew exists, a breed of fearless wave hunters, Southern Lords that have defined the very meaning of hard core. Enduring some of the most extreme beatings you could imagine, they pursue their passion at a great personal cost.
This is a salute to those who dare take the drop...
Images from a two day session with crew of Mick Corbett and his tow partner Jarryd Foster. Paddle Surf wave animal Sandy Ryan. Local legend Tyler Hollmer-Cross and big wave rider Danny Griffiths and many other locals.
Many thanks to Wild Ocean Tasmania (private charter).
My gear: Nikon D4s with Nikkor 80-400 mm f/4.5-5.6, Aquatech Delphin D4 Waterhousing
WAVES OF CONSEQUENCE
ENDANGERED - Surf Adventure (Iron Horse) “This was a journey. A real journey. And in my humble opinion, that ideal is endangered.”
POINT BREAK - HELL OR HIGH WATER - “The swell arrived and did not disappoint, conditions were flawless and the scene was set, local surfers continued to vi for waves as it was business as usual at the worlds most notorious left-hander.…”
MONSTER SURF - Nias “The usual suspects, the team of big wave surf nomads that circulate the globe, arrived at a similar time to myself, in time for an 8-10ft swell.”
EDGE OF OBLIVION - CODE RED - “Perched precariously on the back (stern) of George Riou’s boat, I am 100% focused on capturing whatever drama is about to unfold in front of me. A shiver runs up my spine as a…”
BIG WAVE SURFERS - Fiji “Fiji not only produced one of the biggest swells ever, but became a magnet for the world’s best big wave athlete’s, both tow and paddle.”
BEYOND LIMITS - SUPER HUMAN - “2015's year of Pro Surfing was beyond incredible and at the same time brutally punishing. The world's best surfers were absolutely pushed to the bloody edge…”
WAVE OF CONSEQUENCE - “These waves are ridden by choice not chance, those who chase them, hunt them and ride them, all understand the consequences and choose to risk their lives.”