Got a camera, a dream or a simple appetite for good surf photos? We’ve got you covered.
Surfers, and surf photographers,
are creatures of habit. The best of these creatures have tapped into
the rhythms of the ocean in an almost scientific sort of way. They know
when the waves are going to be good, where the waves are going to be
good and exactly what those good waves will look like. And, like anyone
else, they like to play favourites.
Out of all the world’s 196 countries (you count, Taiwan), a handful can be grouped into that category of favouritism. We hand-picked 10 nations that you can count on to consistently produce photos that are worth looking at. So, well, look at them.
Out of all the world’s 196 countries (you count, Taiwan), a handful can be grouped into that category of favouritism. We hand-picked 10 nations that you can count on to consistently produce photos that are worth looking at. So, well, look at them.
Brazil
Bright water. White sands. The inherent liveliness of all things Brazilian. Julian Wilson can't help but indulge.
Fiji
The sky don't lie. Here, in Tavarua, Miguel Pupo gets a taste of tangerine heaven.
France
Breathe in. Breathe out. The sandbars of France understand the simple pleasure of the breath. And have we mentioned the wine?
United States of America
From sea to shining sea to, well, the rock a few hours off the coast. The contiguous United States have plenty of photogenic regions — but all pale in comparison to Hawaii.
South Africa
Sharks. Giraffes. Elephants. And really, really long rights. South Africa offers a medley of all things wild. Here's a deceptively tame moment at J-Bay.
Tahiti
Tahiti teems with life. It is bright blue and it is lush green and it is all so raw and so real. Here, Jordy Smith and Kolohe Andino take it all in at Teahupo'o.
Australia
The land of meat pies and clean skins. Australia has a ridiculously large chunk of coast that can produce a good photo. But as we see here with Jordy Smith, sometimes it's best to not veer too far from the classics. Bells Beach.
Portugal
Because looking at photos of XXL Nazare will never get old. Here's Andrew Cotton and a wave taller than most buildings in your city.
Indonesia
For over a decade, Indo has been the place to go to get the best action photo. And here, Julian Wilson gets the best action photo.
Mexico
America's neighbour will always offer you a good time. And a beer. And, if you're Noa Deane, an air section.