jake-trette_green-board_mavericks_photo-ord
Jake Trette, Mavericks: This is not a great shot at all, sitting in the channel at Mavericks on Ken Collins' ski and taking a few photos now and then, I was actually thinking of getting a few waves myself. It looked like the perfect day to sneak a few waves; a beginner's day, some might say. I am certainly glad I didn’t make that decision because out of nowhere these two absolute bombs came through and caught the pack completely out of place. For experienced Maverick's surfers, it's not so much of a problem, but for surfers that were inexperienced out there, it was life changing. 9-10 foot guns going over the falls only to get another bomb on the head; Jake Trette was an unlucky recipient of a two wave hold down. I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time and make the right decisions so Jake could see his son and family again. At the time it was just another day, just another photo. I wouldn’t have dreamed that a life long friendship with Jake and his family would have come from sitting on (what I discovered after the fact) an illegal jet ski at Mavericks. Photography for me is about the people I have met on the way. The circumstances that lead to that day were incredible. I am so bloody grateful for the relationships this image has created. Photo: Russell Ord
Wiping out is part of the game. There are roughly a million clichés around it, and they’re all true. We’ve all done it, so it’s no secret how frustrating and embarrassing yet completely fun it is. Plus, it’s inevitably going to happen again. Probably the next time you paddle out. That said, wiping out can also be worth a good laugh and a worthy form of entertainment for either or both the one wiping out and the situation’s onlookers. Face it, we’ve all had a chuckle at the expense of a friend and/or stranger watching them eat it. And how many times have you come up laughing after blowing a take-off, digging rail or pulling into a closeout? The flip side comes when you slam into the reef or nearly drown. Insert favorite wipeout cliché here.
For added effect, play The Safari’s “Wipeout” below while you flip through this gallery. It only makes it better.