The 10 gnarliest wave locations that I’ve seen

Following on with the theme of my last post, I’m going to now show you pictures of the 10 gnarliest surf locations that I’ve have photographed at. There’s way more out there, but these are the 10 gnarliest spots that I’ve shot at.

Teahupoo in Tahiti needs no introduction. The poynesian super slab that has launched a thousand magazine covers, at least.

Todos Santos Island in Mexico. I first photographed this place in 1998 at the Reef contest which still has to this day the biggest waves ever for a paddle in surf event. Taylor Know claimed his 60 foot wave, this day.

Shipstern Bluff in Tasmania, remained relatively unknown to the outside world till 2001 when I went in there with Kieren Perrow
, Drew Courtney and Mark Mathews. I was in genuine fear of the surfer’s very lives during the first session there.

Pipeline: The original tubing inside out barrel fantastic, right on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii.

Outside Avalanche: A big wave outer reef tow-surf spot these days, I’ve seen this wave hold more size than just about anywhere else. Great for shooting from a helicopter.

Phantoms, Another heavy big wave spot, just outside from V-land on the north shore. This wave has humbled a lot of surfers over the years. It’s a scary place.

Backdoor This wave doesn’t hold as much size as some of these others, but pound for pound, this wave will give you the barrel of your life or kick your arse. It can go either way.

Waimea Bay: Still my favourite place to shoot big wave surfing, there’s nothing quite like watching the surfers paddle in to the big waves and Waimea is the ultimate test.

Jaws. I’ve only ever shot it just once, but quite an amazing looking place.

Outside Logs. On the north shore of Oahu, This is the place where they towed in on big wednesday. I also saw and photographed a legitimate 40 foot close-out here that looked like a shore-break.

These breaks are rated in no particular order other than they are all gnarly on their day.

Sean