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Kelly Slater, North Shore bike path. Kelly had just narrowly beaten John John Florence and won the prestigious Pipe Masters title. They both surfed magnificently that day, but their their awe-inspiring accomplishments were tainted with the bitter irony that Kelly had desperately wanted another world title, and John John had lusted for the elusive Pipe title. Despite their magnificent victories, both surfers were horribly disappointed. At dusk, I spotted the 11-time World Champ walking solemnly down the bike path with his board and lei in hand. Alone. The number 2 on the back of his jersey resonated poignantly in my mind as I watched Kelly make the five-minute trek towards his home—sans entourage or fanfare. Photo: @JustinJayPhoto
Editor’s Note: #SolidHumans is a brand new series featuring priceless portraits and anecdotes of inspiring individuals we know and love in the surf and ocean community.
Raised in Santa Barbara, California and based in New York City, I specialize in advertising, portrait, and lifestyle reportage of artists, athletes, and musicians. Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate enough to have had exceptional access to the private lives of many of today’s top personalities. However, I’ve taken a particular interest in documenting intimate moments of the insular world of the North Shore of O’ahu. Here are a few priceless moments captured last winter on the North Shore.
See more of Justin’s photography on Instagram @JustinJayPhoto and www.justinjay.com.