Patient and Pro Active is a heck of a good character combination in my book…and @andy__carter just checked both boxes for me. I shot this image of him almost a year ago and had withheld sending it to him in hopes that somebody would publish it. Like normal, nobody did, yet I failed to zip him the file. Well yesterday, he kindly sent me a message and not only does he have the file inbox, I love the kid stoking out on the shoulder and thought the story and image would be worth a share. I hope you score some more gems soon Andrew.🙏🏻👆🏻👼🏽👼🏾👼👼🏾

I dread the very real possibility of documenting a fatal ride someday. I always try to send my unbelievably good luck to those in the water and can’t help but think of legends like Mark Foo, Todd Chesser, Sion Milosky and other souls I know that have passed, while doing what they love. May they all rest in peace, smiling down upon those kindred souls who continue living their dream.

It was large to say the least and if you look closely at the right you can make out a person surfing the monster.

Barrel rider, boat and butterfly all looking to exit the frame stage left

I spent a good amount of 2016 trying to improve my skills at taking photos from the water. Luckily I was able to spend a lot of time in comfortable water, with high quality waves and this was an image of Matt(@sealion) that I recently rescued from my Lightroom Purgatory.

After the morning surf in Puerto Escondido, the whole towns sentiment swings to that of hopeful excitement. Everyone keeping an eye on the mountains and thunderstorms that grow above them. If they reach the coast, surfers will be blessed with offshore winds and possibly an amazing sunset to boot. Here is one of those shower filled afternoons. Sasha Donnanno drops in the right while Jordy Cortez watches from the shoreline.

The New Year has me cleaning out/reviewing 3431 of my “TopShelf” 2016 images, that have found themselves sitting in my photographic purgatory…Lightroom. It’s been bringing back amazing memories and stoking the fire for what lies ahead this year. Here is a shot of @whitewaterwilly that I thought was more than worthy of a share. As you can see…Will rushes grande bowls with just boardshorts and big lungs. Much respect.