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Right from the time I first started taking photos some fifteen plus years ago, it was clear to me (and still is) that my timing was perfect. Perfect in the sense that I have been very fortunate to have been shooting this guy. Kelly Slater, easily the best surfer ever in the history of the sport. I have done numerous trips with him and Quiksilver and have shared some really cool moments. Such a cool time for a photographer to be around shooting. I dont know of anyone who does not enjoy pointing a lens on him. It's history going down on every wave, images for the ages. I know other surfers will come along and will have similar importance, but what a time really that we have had... and it's far from over. Photo: Nate Smith
Editor’s Note: We’ve chosen to focus our relaunch around the theme: EVOLVE. Transformation is core to who we are, and we put it out to The Inertia’s influencers and most talented contributors to share moments that caused significant personal growth and transformation – ideally with some relation to surfing, but also to life in general. These are Nate Smith’s moments.
I can recall when I was really young always being mesmerized by what my mates where doing on a wave as I’d paddle back out – sitting and watching them blow the tail or get barreled. I thought those would make amazing photos. So there was my solution for the next few months. Fifteen odd years later, and I’m still doing it. Funny, yet cool, how things work out.
See more from Nate at NateSmithPhoto.com