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Surfing and nature are each beautiful in their own right. But to capture that moment when the two perfectly intersect is transcendent. (Surfer: Bob Lavender) Photo: Rich Brooks
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Alex Wood chasing after that last little bit of daylight. Photo: Rich Brooks
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The search continues, even on beaches where you wouldn't expect it. Photo: Rich Brooks
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Take a left, and you can enjoy a stunning sunset as you cruise down the line. (Surfer: Alex Wood) Photo: Rich Brooks
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Two surfers perfectly silhouetted against the sun. Photo: Rich Brooks
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Hawaii? Fiji? Tahiti? No, Matt Zimmer is enjoying this crystal clear turquoise barrel on the Florida Panhandle. Photo: Rich Brooks
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Justin Buxton throwing up some spray at the Mr. Surf's Cold Water Classic surf competition. And by cold water, they mean cold water relative to Panama City Beach. Photo: Rich Brooks
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Conor Lynch leaving a wake behind him. Photo: Rich Brooks
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It might be gray and rainy, but Joe Gerardi is still loving the smooth glassy waves in the Gulf of Mexico. Photo: Rich Brooks
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Hollow barrels on the Gulf Coast are not a myth; they really exist! Photo: Rich Brooks
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Conor Lynch, visiting from Philadelphia, was pleasantly surprised to find surf in Panama City Beach. Photo: Rich Brooks
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The look of joy when you find waves in a place you expect to be as flat as a pancake (Surfer: Conor Lynch) Photo: Rich Brooks
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Justin Buxton working his line in Mr. Surf's Cold Water Classic surf competition. Photo: Rich Brooks
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The Gulf of Mexico may be flat as can be between swells, but that just makes the waves that much more glassy when they arrive. Photo: Rich Brooks
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No other sport that interacts with nature the same way surfing does. Photo: Rich Brooks
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Taking a moment to enjoy a picture perfect sunset in between sets. It doesn't get any better than this. Photo: Rich Brooks
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Surfer turning away from the jetty at St. Andrew's State Park. Photo: Rich Brooks
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Craig Brown deep in the barrel! Photo: Rich Brooks
What comes to mind when you think about the Gulf of Mexico? Most people would say a large, flat body of water that is great for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. If you Googled it, you can read all about how the Gulf is a spectacular vacation destination with gorgeous white sand beaches and emerald green waters — but I doubt you’ll read about its surf breaks. As a matter of fact, most unknowing locals here in Panama City Beach would probably tell you that you wouldn’t even be able to surf! However, there is a relatively small, but no-less-dedicated community of surfers here who would beg to differ. When you combine gorgeous beaches, clear turquoise waters, and quality waves, you get what I would argue is some of the most picturesque surf in the contiguous United States. My goal is to capture all of these elements together and convey to you all the beauty of surfing The Forgotten Coast.
If you like what you see, check out Rich Brooks Photography and Like him on Facebook!
