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Portfolio: New Jersey’s Freezing Surf

I've traveled to beautiful places, but only included frigid, New Jersey surf photos in this portfolio. I guess home is where the heart is.

BY Ryan Struck |

  • Surf artist Bryan Zinski in New Jersey in December 2009. Bryan is always stoked - especially when there's a big red blob swirling off our coast.

    Surf artist Bryan Zinski in New Jersey in December 2009. Bryan is always stoked - especially when there's a big red blob swirling off our coast.

  • The sand was frozen solid on the beach this day. Water temperature: 38. Air temperature: 17. Brian Parnagian outside on a cold day in the sun.

    The sand was frozen solid on the beach this day. Water temperature: 38. Air temperature: 17. Brian Parnagian outside on a cold day in the sun.

  • If you’re not a surfer, the idea of charging out in the water on a day like this is absolutely insane. The guy in the foreground figures it's just another day at Da Jersey Shore. Tyler Thompson knows otherwise.

    If you’re not a surfer, the idea of charging out in the water on a day like this is absolutely insane. The guy in the foreground figures it's just another day at Da Jersey Shore. Tyler Thompson knows otherwise.

  • This an abstract lineup shot that helps reaffirm my love for the Garden State.

    This an abstract lineup shot that helps reaffirm my love for the Garden State.

  • Andrew Gesler. Ocean City, New Jersey. Hurricane Earl, 2010.

    Andrew Gesler. Ocean City, New Jersey. Hurricane Earl, 2010.

  • This wave is not often rideable, but when it's breaking it's an excellent indicator for the power of the swell.

    This wave is not often rideable, but when it's breaking it's an excellent indicator for the power of the swell.

  • This is one of those heavy days New Jersey is lucky enough to have every so often. Thanks El Nino!

    This is one of those heavy days New Jersey is lucky enough to have every so often. Thanks El Nino!

  • This spot in New Jersey is the best-kept secret. Actually, it's not from Jersey, but my friend Chris Kelly is. This was from a little strike mission we did to New England.

    This spot in New Jersey is the best-kept secret. Actually, it's not from Jersey, but my friend Chris Kelly is. This was from a little strike mission we did to New England.

  • I enjoy doing my own thing from time to time. This is my way in.

    I enjoy doing my own thing from time to time. This is my way in.

  • Would you?

    Would you?

  • PJ Raia is one of New Jersey's up and comers. He's got a very well-rounded style, but if it's barreling, you know what he's doing.

    PJ Raia is one of New Jersey's up and comers. He's got a very well-rounded style, but if it's barreling, you know what he's doing.

  • PJ Raia braves conditions that few surfers will. In New Jersey it becomes par for the course. February 2010.

    PJ Raia braves conditions that few surfers will. In New Jersey it becomes par for the course. February 2010.

  • Nothing is ever really perfect in photography; it's the little quirks that comprise one's style. However, at dawn the lighting is as close to perfect as it gets. New York's Brian Pollak drove three hours to surf The Garden State.

    Nothing is ever really perfect in photography; it's the little quirks that comprise one's style. However, at dawn the lighting is as close to perfect as it gets. New York's Brian Pollak drove three hours to surf The Garden State.

  • On the day I shot this photo, a blizzard enveloped New Jersey. Tom Petriken didn’t care. If you live here, you love it.

    On the day I shot this photo, a blizzard enveloped New Jersey. Tom Petriken didn’t care. If you live here, you love it.

  • This is one of my favorite surf related photos. It's missing a couple people from our Jersey surf crew, but it still makes us all smile.

    This is one of my favorite surf related photos. It's missing a couple people from our Jersey surf crew, but it still makes us all smile.

Ryan Struck Surf Photographer

Ryan Struck is a New Jersey-based surf photographer. Inspired by a multitude of waves, people, and locations, Struck spends more time squeezing his eye behind the lens than with a board under his feet, but that’s not to say he’s having any less fun. Photo: Ryan Struck

Ryan Struck is a New Jersey-based surf photographer. Struck spends more time with his eye behind the lens than with a board under his feet, but that’s not to say he’s having any less fun. To view more of Struck’s work, check out www.ryanstruck.com or his New Jersey surf website, thenewsurf.com.

“After a few years I decided photography was to be my profession,” says Struck. “I worked nights 12 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and saved to buy a water housing in January 2009. Often times in the wee hours of the morning, as I drove around a turret, the smell of battery acid wafting through my nostrils, I’d envision the next photograph I wanted to create. It definitely got me though my work “day.” Quitting time for me was when most were arriving. I would head to the beach, jump in the water with camera in hand by 9:30 a.m. Since then, I have been steadily building a portfolio. I hardly make a living from shooting surf, but I also don’t work nights anymore.”

“Surfing is so image driven that the world’s most talented creatives and athletes are all vying for page space. I am in awe of those who have made it. I have learned what hard workers professional surfers, photographers, and filmers are. I continue to put my time in on the beach or in the water when I can. I have traveled to places I only dreamed I would see. Much credit directed toward my friends, experiences, and the ocean. I’ve been driven by my love for the sights I witness while neck deep, with fins on, and eyes wide.”

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