TGSA Texas State Surfing Championships South Padre Island, Texas (June 12, 2010)
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| Life Rolls On Port Aransas, Texas (June 5, 2010)
For More Information, please visit:
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| TGSA BBQ Fundraiser North Packery Channel (May 29, 2010) A Day At The Beach
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| TGSA / Padre Island Burger Company Corpus Christi Open (May 16, 2010) Bob Hall Pier
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| Bob Hall Pier Surf Session Timmy Curran & Friends (May 2, 2010)
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| TGSA BBQ - Bob Hall Pier Timmy Curran & Friends (May 1, 2010)
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| Port Aransas - Horace Caldwell Pier (May 1, 2010)
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| Ashlyn Would Go / Ohana Surf and Skate Classic (April 18, 2010) Galveston, Texas
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| TGSA / Underground Surf Shop Galveston Open (April 17, 2010)
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| ESA / TGSA Scholastic Surf Contest (March 26-29, 2010) New Smyrna Beach, Florida
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| Surf at Bob Hall Pier (from the G-Seat) (March 8, 2010)
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| TGSA / Board House South District Contest (March 7, 2010) Horace Caldwell Pier
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| Bob Hall Pier (November 21, 2009)
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| Covered Up - Coastal Chaos Surf Contest (October 31, 2009) Bob Hall Pier
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| TGSA / Clif Bar South District Contest (October 11, 2009) Packery Channel
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| TGSA / On The Beach Grom Round-Up (August 29, 2009) South Padre Island
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| Costa Rica (July 14-19, 2009)
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| TGSA Texas State Surfing Championships (June 13 2009) Bob Hall Pier
The hurricane ravaged 2008-2009 TGSA season closed out with the Texas State Surfing Championships at Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi on June 13, 2009. In marginal surf, the competitors battled it out for
bragging rights and bling-bling. The conditions didn't seem to matter, as this was what they surf in everyday in Texas anyway. And frankly, everyone was anxious to just put this season behind them. Several
contests this season had been canceled and many lives had been upturned with the impacts of Dolly and Ike. All of Texas had a rough time of it this year, and the TGSA was not immune.
Many thanks go out to Julie Doyle and her crew for once again putting together the best party on the beach.
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| TGSA / Ashlyn Would Go Grom Roundup (May 2, 2009) Galveston
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| TGSA / Underground Surf Shop Galveston Open (April 25, 2009)
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| Bob Hall Pier (April 12, 2009)
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| Bob Hall Pier (March 27, 2009)
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| Bob Hall Pier - Contest After Session (March 8, 2009)
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| TGSA / Board House / Port A Open (March 7-8, 2009)
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| Bob Hall Pier (February 11, 2009)
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| Fish Pass / Packery Channel Beach Lifestyle (December 29, 2008)
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| Hawaii Trip - North Shore (December 13-22, 2008)
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| TGSA Corpus Christi Open Bob Hall Pier (November 23, 2008)
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| Bob Hall Pier (October 19, 2008)
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| Bob Hall Pier (October 17, 2008)
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| Bob Hall Pier - After the Storm (September 14, 2008)
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| Hurricane Ike - South Padre Island (September 12, 2008)
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| Hurricane Ike - South Padre Island Before the Storm (September 11, 2008)
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| Hurricane Ike - Bob Hall Pier Before the Storm (September 11, 2008)
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| Hurricane Gustav - South Padre Island (August 31 - September 1, 2008)
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| TGSA / Port A Surf Co / Texas Surf Camps Grom Round Up - Port Aransas (August 23, 2008)
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| TGSA / MDC Longboard Pro-Am (June 14, 2008)
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| TGSA / Texas State Surfing Championships (May 24-25, 2008)
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| Bob Hall Pier (May 3, 2008)
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| Bob Hall Pier (April 11, 2008)
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| TGSA / 3rd Coast Surf & Skate Open (March 29-30, 2008)
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| Bob Hall Pier (March 19, 2008)
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| Bob Hall Pier (March 18, 2008)
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| TGSA Slotted / G-Town Surf / Casa Three Amigos Pro Am (March 1, 2008)
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| Bob Hall Pier (February 17, 2008)
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| TGSA North District - Surfside (January 6, 2008)
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| TGSA South District - Port A (January 5, 2008)
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| TGSA All-Star Team in Hawaii (December 17-23, 2007)
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| TGSA Galveston Open (December 9, 2007)
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| TGSA Galveston North District (November 11, 2007)
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| Bob Hall Pier (October 31, 2007)
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| Bob Hall Pier (October 11, 2007)
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| Bob Hall Pier (October 2, 2007)
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| Volcom Bushfish - Bob Hall Pier Corpus Christi, Texas (September 29, 2007)
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| TGSA - Port A Surf Co. - Surfrider Grom Roundup Port Aransas, Texas (September 22, 2007)
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| TGSA - Ohana Surf and Skate - Surfrider Grom Roundup Galveston, Texas (September 16, 2007)
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| TGSA Dorados Island Native Grom Roundup South Padre Island, Texas (August 25, 2007)
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| Bob Hall Pier - Hurricane Dean (August 22-24, 2007)
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| TGSA Ashlyn Shoemaker Grom Roundup Galveston, Texas (August 18, 2007)
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| Bob Hall Pier Surf (July 27, 2007)
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| Port Aransas Surf (July 27, 2007)
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| Texas Surf Camp - Port Aransas, TX (June 26, 2007)
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| Bob Hall Pier (June 3, 2007)
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| Bob Hall Pier (May 28, 2007)
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| TGSA / TSSC (May 26 & 27, 2007)
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| TGSA / Slotted / G-town Surf Gorda Pro Contest (May 6, 2007)
The TGSA / Slotted Boardwear / G-Town Surf / Casa Three Amigos Gorda Pro-Am Surf Contest was held in stormy, windy conditons at Matagorda Beach on May 6, 2007. The brown waters of Gorda offered a challenge of current and constant churning beach break but the
intrepid were rewarded with cash at the end of the day. The smiling faces all day long were representative of the good time had by everyone. Gorda is a very difficult and unforgiving place to shoot, and I have YET to capture it the way I want...but these photos are some of my best yet from this remote Texas surf break.
Thank you to Billy Blues for the back-up camera !!
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| Surf at Bob Hall Pier (April 25, 2007)
For the second time this month, the phone rang and I was told there was surf. On a beautiful day like this, with the water warming back up, it is near impossible for me not to go. Once again, I was very glad I did. A decent swell and a very agressive
group of surfers made for a very "target rich" environment for me. The results are some of the best photos I have ever taken at Bob Hall Pier.
Thanks for the calls, Nicole, Micah and Nate!!
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| Surf at Bob Hall Pier (April 2, 2007)
This was one of those magical days when the phone rings and one of the local kids says, "Hey G, there's surf. A bunch of us are going out". That's all it takes to get me there. On this day, I used a differnt photo platform - taking a ladder into the surf and shooting from the
beach with the pier as a backdrop. A perfect day with beautiful light, decent surf, a ripping crowd and a terrific viewpoint make these images worth a look !!
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| TGSA / Third Coast CC Open (Mar 31 - Apr 1, 2007)
The TGSA / Third Coast Surfshop Corpus Christi Open was held on the weekend of March 31 - April 1, 2007 in blustery typically Texas conditions...less than ideal to be sure. But, as is always the case, these diehards made the most of it and had a very fun contest in conditions they actually surf in most of the time.
It is always impressive to witness such determined talent in youngsters and veterans alike.
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| Costa Rica (January 27 - February 7, 2007)
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| TGSA North District Surfside (January 13, 2007)
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| Last Swell of the Year Bob Hall Pier (December 31, 2006)
An infrequent two-day swell, and as is typically Texas, the weather was COMPLETELY different from yesterday. Capping off the year in epic form, Bob Hall Pier saw incredible light and some truly sweet waves. I was surprised that there weren't more guys on it, but those that were there scored a rare treat of green barrels and long lines.
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| Last Swell of the Year Bob Hall Pier (December 30, 2006)
It has been a very mixed up year for surfing along the Texas coast in 2006. It was a fairly good spring, with decent surf for the State Championships in South Padre in May. But, we had a non-existant hurricane season all summer and only a few swells so far this winter.
2006, however, went out on a surfing high note - with a two-day swell that saw
bobbing neoprene and buckets of spray from Boca Chica to Bob Hall to Beaumont.
These images chronicle the first day of the last swell of the year.
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| Packery Channel (December 22, 2006)
Packery Channel, formerly JP Luby Surfing Park, is rapidly becoming a favorite place among locals in the Corpus Christi area. Though known to be quite "sharky", it is still braved by a growing number of intrepid surfers. These are images caught on a typical winter day...
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| Surf at Bob Hall Pier (December 20, 2006)
Famed surfer / surf photgrapher (and howetown boy) Jon Steele was home for the holidays and once again we had a little surf for him to play in. With fellow rippers like Shane Wiggins, Jarret Frasier, Danny Norton, Ryan Sciferes, Jarred Williams and others in the water it was another fun
day to shoot. Great light, great surfing equals good times with good friends. Gotta love surfing in Texas.
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| Winter Swell - Bob Hall Pier (December 12, 2006)
Fresh on the heels of the TGSA South District Contest in SPI, the crew at Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi was all over some clean waves in clear weather, a stark and welcome change from the previous few days. Classic days like this are few and far between and it is always good to capture the young surf talent taking full advantage.
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| TGSA South District SPI (December 10, 2006)
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| South Mansfield (December 9, 2006)
The day before the TGSA South District Surf Contest in South Padre Island, Frank Floyd called and asked if I might want to shoot him and a few of the Wind-N-Wave boys as they had a practice session on the south side of Mansfield Jetty. Having never shot surfing on that side of the channel, I jumped at the chance. Quality Mansfield pictures are hard to find on the internet, but here are a few gems caught on a COLD, blustery, drizzly day.
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| TGSA / Underground Galveston Open (November 4-5, 2006)
The Texas Gulf Surfing Association's premier North Coast Event, co-sponsored by the Underground Surf Depot, was held in fair surf conditions on the Galveston seawall. The two-day event was well-attended and everyone had a great time at the beach. With Zen gardens being created in the rocks and competitive surfing just offshore, the ambience was fun and festive. Charlie Cooke and the crew from the TGSA once again pulled the "tribe" of Texas surfers together for a trophy-filled party on the beach
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| TGSA South District CC (October 7, 2006)
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| Bob Hall Pier (October 6, 2006)
They say number three is the charm...in THIS case, day three of the October swell proved that adage to be true. Arriving at the pier around noon, I found fellow photographer Mike Boyd in place and capturing whatcould onlky be described as PERFECT surf at Bob Hall Pier. Head-high (plus) surf, clear green water, and barrel after barrel rolling in on the south side of the pier. Lindsay Winston and a few others were out at just the right place, at just the right time. for thirty minutes, it was sheer perfection, then the surf fell into a more normal pattern. it was still good and would stay that way for a few hours more, but for about 45 minutes on this day, it was full-on EPIC !!
These are some of the best photos I have ever captured at Bob Hall Pier.
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| Bob Hall Pier (October 5, 2006)
The second day into this swell offered some fantastic lighting on waves being torn apart by surfers who have been foaming at the mouth for surf for months. This is Texas surfing at it's very best...clear water, beautiful fall late afternoon light, and talented surfers letting off a LOT of pent-up surf aggression (in a friendly way). Mix in gorgeous girls in bikinis watching their boyfriends in the water and a few incredible Texas shore birds and I am completely in my element !!
These are the days I live for as a surf photographer in Texas.
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| Bob Hall Pier (October 4, 2006)
As the entire coastline of Texas eagerly awaited a predicted swell, the feeding frenzy was apparent in the water on the south side of Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi. With no storm surf this summer from the expected "busier then normal" hurricane season that never was, the usual suspects made mountains out of
the molehills of surf that was smaller than expected. There is always hope that...tomorrow it will be better. This is Texas.
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| TGSA / Island Native / Dorados Grom Round Up (September 16, 2006)
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| TGSA Ashlyn Shoemaker Galveston Grom Round Up (August 19, 2006)
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| TGSA Ashlyn Shoemaker Port Aransas Grom Round Up (August 5, 2006)
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| Mexico - Part Deux (July 13-18, 2006)
Right up front, I want to say, "THANK YOU" to Mike, Patty, Nicole and Danielle Dodson. It has been my GREAT pleasure to come to know all of you and feel like you are part of my family, or rather you have made me feel like part of yours.
These pictures (and I was told not to even BRING my camera on this trip) capture the warmth of a "gift" vacation to Punta Mita, Mexico. I was taken here again as a "thank you" for the images I captured last December of the girls as they were on their 3-week "Tex-2-Mex Chix" surf movie-making adventure. I should be the one taking THEM in gratitude!! For six wonderful days, I enjoyed good surf, GREAT food, and the BEST of friends as we were also joined by Richard Dodson (Mike's brother) and Corpus Christi ripper, Lindsay Winston, and met up with Mike and Julie Doyle.
From the luxurious accomodations at the Anclote to the incredible food at Cafe Luna, to the opportunity to shoot Mike and Richard surfing, to surfing with Nicole and Danielle (I have shot them for three years but had never SURFED with them)...it was a trip of lifelong memories and friendship.
Perhaps we even got a sneak-peek at future accomodations for trips this way again in the future... ;-)
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| Roxy Trials at Fish Pass (June 23-24, 2006)
On June 23, four-time world champion surfer Lisa Anderson rolled into the Coastal Bend with Roxy and Quicksilver busses and held trials and a surf camp at Mustang Island State Park (Fish Pass). Unfortunately, there was no appreciable surf for the contest they held.
However, most of the Texas surf girls were there, and a good time was had by all, regardless of wave conditions. These pictures capture the comraderie enjoyed by this unique group of Texas girls and a lot of stoke on the beach all around.
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| International Go Surfing Day - Dawn Patrol (June 21, 2006)
A week ago, I received an e-mail from the photo editor at Surfing Magazine. This was the second year I was asked to participate in a photo essay for International Go Surfing Day. The instructions were to go out and shoot (obviously) the surf
in our area (the Gulf Coast of Texas). Unfortunately, summertime here usually offers very little in the way of surf without a storm out in the Gulf of Mexico. With no surf, the optional instructions were to capture a shot that typified our Texas surfing lifestyle.
A special request was made for a shot that screamed "dawn patrol". I opted to try for the latter.
Here is what I came away with. Core Texas surfer Nathan Floyd, Dawn Patrol.
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| Hurricane Alberto (June 12, 2006)
With the Texas summer doldrums setting in and no surf for weeks, the whole Gulf coastline is ravenous for surf. The first storm of the 2006 hurricane season had the Corpus Christi crew salivating. Tropical Storm Alberto churned in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and threatened Florida,
which just makes Texas surfers drool. Unfortunately, the expected surf arrived sooner, and was smaller, than predicted. This didn't stop the local rippers from tearing it up none-the-less. Bring on the next swirlie !!
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| Bob Hall Pier (May 30, 2006):
ring...
G: Hey, Nate. What's up?
Nate: Hey, G. The surf has been pretty good the last couple of days. My dad just called and said Bob Hall looks pretty good. We're at Whataburger right now and heading over to the pier to check it out. Want me to call you when we get there?
G: Yeah, definitely do that.
Nate: Cool. Later.
G: Later.
click
ring...
G: How does it look?
Nate: Pretty good on both sides. About head high. I saw a couple of barrels roll in.
G: Who's going out?
Nate: I'm with JR, but I bet more will be coming.
G: I'm on my way.
Nate: Cool. Later.
G: See you out there...
click
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| TGSA TSSC - SPI (April 29-30, 2006):
This year's Texas State Surfing Championship at South Padre Island was a great event, held in decent chest-to-head high surf near the pavillion, at Isla Blanca Park. The Texas Gulf Surfing Association put on the 40th running of the State Championship without a hitch and the two days were festive and competitive.
For my part, I missed last year's event, and had never really had much luck shooting in South Padre. Usually the break is way outside, beyond of the reach of my camera. Usually the sun plays havoc until mid and late afternoon making it impossible to shoot due to glare. This time, neither seemd to be a problem. The sun was behind light
clouds in the morning and beautiful in the afternoon (when the light in SPI is AMAZING). But the best part was that the surfing was taking place mostly on the inside sandbars. Having the best surfers in the state rip up these conditions, and taking a chance and wading as far into the line-up as I could with the camera, I came away with
my best shoot ever in South Padre.
Enjoy the fruits of such sweet labor !!
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| TGSA Longboard Open - Port A (April 8, 2006):
The TGSA held another successful longboard contest in Port Aransas on April 8, 2006. It was a short, one day contest and had a distinctive relaxed feel to it. There was even a band (Fusion) playing surf music on the pier. The trophies presented were gorgeous carved wood and the whole scene felt like a famliy party at the beach.
The beloved elders of the Texas surfing scene took home their rightful recognition, and the young guns proved that they can do more than bust airs on the short board. Once again, the groms and mini groms also got to have their day to compete - and everyone wins when that happens. They are the future of surfing in Texas and we have
a great crop of upcomers being bred on the white sandy beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast.
Another well-run event put on by Charlie Cooke and the fine folks of the TGSA. Thanks to all the judges and volunteers for such a wonderful spring day at the beach in Port A.
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| Bob Hall Pier (April 7, 2006):
It started with a simple phone call from Layne Losee from JEL surf. He and partner James Walters were going to be coming through town on business and he wanted to let me know he may be out at BHP surfing on Friday afternoon. He does this whenever he comes through town, and we are always hoping to connect for some surf shots.
On this day, I was getting off work early in the afternoon, so I took my camera in with me, and head to the pier right after my shift. While at work, Chris Lonabaugh (TGSA All-Star Team Captain) called and said he, too, was in town and I told him to head to the beach for some shots.
What I found when I got to the pier, was not just Layne & Chris, but a whole crew of local rippers, all on the south side, in GREAT light. They all proceeded to give me an incredible opportunity to capture them on a nice little swell. Everybody was surfing well and the pictures are some of the best I have taken out there. Thanks to ALL of you !!
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| TGSA - 3rd Coast Surf & Skate Corpus Christi Open (April 1-2, 2006):
This was the first TGSA event I had been to in five months, and it was by far the best venue I have attended a long while. The weather, the surf, and the friendly Texas stoke all came together for a wonderful, well-run event. With rippers from the north and south of the Texas coast joining the Corpus Christi crew at their
home break, it made for a competitive and enjoyable environment. Everyone had a good time. Even the local police patrol marveled at the talent and well behaved attitudes of the entire entourage. Many thanks go out to 3rd Coast Surf & Skate, the TGSA, the other multitude of sponsors, and Charlie Cooke and his incredible
staff of volunteers for putting on such a smooth and festive contest. Also a big shout out to Kelly & Jerry Norton at the Sunset Grill for catering to the judges and
all the hungry mouths that assualted their fine establishment on Bob Hall Pier. Thank you for the breakfast and burgers !! Thanks to EVERYONE who came up and said "HEY" to me out on the pier and on the beach.
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| Tex-2-Mex Chix Mexico Adventure (December 22-29, 2005):
For months I had known about this trip, a film-making adventure taking three Texas-bred surf girls into Mexico over the holidays. It was to be an all-girl, 3-week travel experience with an "Endless Summer" flair. All to be captured on video, I was asked if I could take the stills behind the scenes to document the documentary. I was honored, but my day
job prevented me from being able to accept the invitation. For months I stewed, knowing what I would be missing, with Nicole & Danielle Dodson and Molly Ware in warm winter water and possibly the best surf in which I would ever be able to photograph them. Then, on the DAY they were to depart from Corpus Christi...a miraculous turn of events, and extraordinary generosity from the girls' parents, made it possible for me to join them in Mexico for seven wonderful days. I would meet them on the road, and stay with them as they continued south, catching better waves along the way each day as two HUGE, back-to-back north swells made their way down the Mexican Pacific coast. With lots of Texas rippers joining us along the way, it turned out to be the photo trip of a lifetime for me.
...and it came out of nowhere.
This was a very blue Christmas. Blue water, that is...(which made up for being blue at not being home for the holidays)
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| Packery Channel Jetty (December 18, 2005)
Late in December of 2005, Nicole and Danielle Dodson came back to town for a quick stopover before heading down to Mexico with Molly Ware and Rindy Jones to film the movie "Tex 2 Mex Chix". Chris Lonabaugh, the captain of the TGSA all-star team was also in town,
and staying at my house. The weather was terrible, but he had told me the surf was up the day before. He asked if I wanted to shoot, but the inclement weather was not very enticing. However, once he was headed to the beach he called and told me that Nicole was going to join him. That got me out there. I was glad I went...
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| Hurricane Rita (September 23, 2005):
These images were captured on Friday, September 23, 2005. An impromptu trip down to South Padre Island fell into my lap and the legendary "Cove" was assured to be breaking. The big swell break in the shipping channel at Port Isabel was perfectly set up for the wave energy coming from
Hurricane Rita, far up in the northwest Gulf of Mexico. Those who made the trek were treated to perhaps some of the best surf EVER seen in Texas. It was a wonder just to witness, and a privilege to capture.
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| Hurricane Rita (September 22, 2005):
These images were captured on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi, Texas. While the whole Gulf Coast was still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina (just a month ago), Hurricane Rita took aim square at Texas, then jogged north at the last minute. While the upper west Gulf took another pounding from Mother Nature, the southern coast again revelled in her glory. She gave us a bounty of waves and wonderful weather.
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| TGSA Grom Round-Up - Galveston (September 10, 2005)
These pictures celebrate all that is wonderful about surfing and the culture that surrounds it here on the Texas Gulf Coast. Hosted by the TGSA and Joel & Crissy Helmke, this event memorialized the recent passing of their lovely daughter Ashlyn, and cemented her stoke and legacy among the "tribe". It was a cloudy,
gray, rainy day, but somehow the rain came down everywhere BUT our little stretch of beach. This event also heralded new friends meeting for the first time, and I could not have been more pleased with the circumstances. ;-)
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| Hurricane Katrina (August 29, 2005):
These images were captured on Monday August 29, 2005. The day after the main swell hit from hurricane Katrina. The waves were not exceptional and the current was severe. I saw waves breaking farther out beyond the pier than I think I have ever seen before...at least 4 sandbars beyond - about half a mile. Nobody even came close to
making it outside, though one intrepid surfer (a pastor even) made it about halfway, and got quite a decent overhead plus wave as a result of his effort. Most of these pictures were taken to merely document the storm swell, with a few surfing pictures from the small group on the inside that managed to stay near the bowl on the south side of
Bob Hall Pier. These were shot between noon and 2pm.
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| Hurricane Katrina (August 28, 2005):
These images were captured on Sunday August 28, 2005. While destruction from this energy began decimating the northern Gulf of Mexico, the southern and central Gulf areas benefitted (bittersweetly) from classic end-of-summer hurricane generated waves...the kind surfers here wait all year for.
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| TGSA Grom Round-Up - Corpus Christi (August 27, 2005)
This was the first TGSA Grom Round-Up I had been to, and the conditions could not have been any better. A clear, cloudless blue sky, pretty green water, and just enough surf for the groms to ride. What was even better, was that the surf was JUST small enough for me to feel comfortable out IN the water with my camera. The resulting shots are, to me, beyond priceless. The future of Texas surfing was represented by many second-generation surfers in the water, with their surfing parents. In ten years, I expect people to beating my doors down to get these into the Texas Surf Museum...LOL.
The vibe on the beach was as good as it gets, with sunshine, BBQ grills working, good music and families laughing and sharing the best of times, all gathered there for the purest of reasons...the KIDS.
It was both a pleasure and an honor to capture this day for the history books.
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| Surf Camp for the Blind (July 29, 2005):
These images were captured during a chance visit to something I had never witnessed before, a surf camp for the blind. In one hour, I saw so many smiling faces. I watched as those who had never felt the ocean move, caught a little bit of her energy, and FELT it like I could only imagine. To say my heart was warmed would be a drastic understatement,
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| Quiksilver Texas Surf Camp (July 29, 2005):
These images were captured on July 29, 2005 at the Quiksilver Texas Surf Camp in Port Aransas, Texas. They have been going on for a few weeks this summer and have been very well received. Hometown favorite surfers Morgan Faulkner and Nicole
Dodson and others staffed the camps and much fun was had among all of the campers and staff combined. The Texas surf stoke is being passed to the next generation in camps just like this, which emphasize a healthy lifestyle as well as surfing skills.
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| Hurricane Dennis at BHP (July 11, 2005):
On July 11, we were blessed with some of the best surf seen on the coast of Texas in perhaps 25 years. Not all the breaks were as epic as they were down at South Padre (which was incredible), but we did see some decent size and very
clean conditions at Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi. With the hurricane ravaging the Gulf Coast of Florida, it was just far enough away to give us great wave energy with no associated weather. Our version of heaven. It was a short-lived swell and if you weren't out early this day, you missed the best of what the Gulf had to offer. Such is Texas surfing.
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| Ashlyn Shoemaker Paddle Out (May 22, 2005):
This section is very special to me. These images capture the aloha spirit that so prevails among the Texas surf community. Ashlyn Shoemaker was the lovely daughter of two of the kindest, most generous people I have ever met. This opinion is shared by every single person who ever met her. I spent only 5 days in her
presence, and each of those days sticks in my memory, as she was that rare person whose mere presence lit up a room. Not only was she a gorgeous 15-year old girl, she was simply wonderful to be around. This was the same if you were six or sixty years old. She always made you feel special, even when she was with her friends. She left us far, far too early.
Fair winds, following seas, and endless glassy barrels, Ash.
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| Gorda Bash 2005 (May 21, 2005):
The third annual Gorda Bash. Now an annual gathering of the Texas surf cummunity (the tribe), this year's extravaganza was much more subdued than last year's. This was due to no surf, which canceled the expected Sould Out Surf Expression session. Also, on Sunday (in Galveston) the
memorial paddle out for Ashlyn Shoemaker would provide a deeper gathering. About 30-40 intrepid surfers and their friends and family braved the despised Matagorda Beach mosquitos and a great Saturday was spent among the best of people. These images express my take of this very special gathering. Many thanks to Andy Nall, Charlie Cooke and everyone else who made this intimate fellowship so special.
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| DaHui Pro Am Surf Contest (May 7, 2005):
For the first time in almost 20 years, a big money surf contest came back to the Texas Gulf Coast and the turnout and stoke typified the surfing community in Texas. The most talented surfers, men and women, from up and down the coast were there - along
with former Texans who have gone on to succeed in surfing and contests both nationally and internationally. The stoke was high and the surf cooperated enough to make conditions both challenging and rewarding. These images were captured from Bob Hall Pier (both legally, and illegally) and the disatnces to the surf was a bit far, so the quality isn't the greatest. The exception
is the action that was captured amongst the free surfing taking place on the north side of the pier. As a result of this successful venture, more pro ams are being scheduled for the Gulf Coast in the coming year.
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| Canceled TGSA Wind-N-Wave CC Open (January 15, 2005):
These images were captured on the cold morning of January 15, 2005. The TGSA had scheduled a surf contest for this weekend, but the surf forecast was touch-and-go. This contest had been postponed before and the hope was that Mother Nature would
come through. She did not. There were lousy waves in Port Aransas as the sun came up, so the contest location was mobilized and moved 15 miles down the beach to Bob Hall Pier. Unfortunately, the waves there fared only slightly better, but still
not enough for a contest. So, it was postponed yet again. However, several intrepid visitors and locals ventured up the beach to JP Luby / Packery Channel and found a few nuggets to make the day surfable. Here are the resulting images.
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| Snowy Day at BHP (December 26, 2004):
A call from Shane Wiggins prompted an unexpected venture to Bob Hall Pier the day after Christmas. With Corpus Christi experiencing the most miraculous snowfall on Christmas Day, there was still snow on the pier when I got there. With the pier closed for repairs,
I managed to find a way to get Fibi and myself out there for a short, 90-minute shoot with maybe half-a-dozen surfers taking advantage of pristine glassy conditions. No wind, perfectly blue skies and a sweet little swell produced barreling waves on the north side of the pier.
Jon Steele (photographer and photo editor for multiple surfing publications) paddled out and I was treated to the opportunity to shoot the "man behind the camera" ripping it up in his home turf. What a wonderful, unexpected gift.
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| An Afternoon at Fish Pass (December 21, 2004):
All it took was a mid-morning phone call from Shane Wiggins. He and his friends are my favorite surf targets in this area, and any time he calls I try to make the scene. I finished up morning errands and got to Fish Pass just after noon. These are the images
I captured during the 90 minutes I was able to hang out on the jetty and snap some frames. It was great to see Mike Boyd back in the water, and always fun to shoot Shane, Nathan and Jerret.
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| A Day at the Beach, BHP (December 12, 2004):
The sudden announced departure of three of the local surf groms (Tagan & Bubba Guinan and Brandon Thomas) prompted a farewell party at the beach at Bob Hall Pier. It was a festive day, but featured little to no surf and very breezy conditions. However, some of the local kitesurfers were there and I got a chance to get some shots of them in the surfline,
busting air in very nice light. Duane Hanson and Buck Ashcraft gave me some great shots and the rest of the day was captured with equal enthusiasm. I include this day in the SURFING section at the request of Buck "Bucky" Ashcraft. He is a huge promoter of alternative methods of enjoying the power of the elements and was shredding the lineup on a surfboard and kite rig.
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| SPI Day Trip (November 6, 2004):
With the TGSA South Padre surf contest postponed due to poor forecasted surf conditions, I decided to head down there anyway. I just love the water color down there and the weather was perfect. I was delivering a few photographs and met up with some new friends on the beach at Isla Blanca park. The
conditions might not have been prime for a contest, but there WAS some surf. I was fortunate enough to catch two of South Padre's finest in the water for an hour or so in BEAUTIFUL lighting conditions. Allow me to share some of the images here of Wes Beck, Jr. and Lily Kumpe.
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| TGSA Galveston Open (October 30-31, 2004):
These images were captured during the rescheduled TGSA Galveston Open, sponsored by the Underground Surf Shop. Once again, Mother Nature was less than cooperative, offering up only marginal surf conditions with a wicked current.
But, with all the competitors equally disadvantaged, it came down to who could surf the conditions the best.
Even with the less-than-ideal surfing conditions, the camaraderie of the contestants was undampered and Saturday's evening festivities and trophy presentation at Salsa's showed no signs of anything but smiling faces, stoked surfers and family pride all around.
Again, it was my extreme pleasure to be able to play a part in recording the weekend for the best of friends. I never seem to have anything but a wonderful time when I am among these tremendously friendly and generous fellow surfers. To everyone who was there...THANKS for the margaritas!!
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| Surfing at Bob Hall Pier (Oct 7,8,9,10, 2004):
It seemed to be a swell out of nowhere, but we all knew it was coming. With the TGSA contest scheduled to be held in Galveston over the weekend, this swell was predicted to hit Thursday but not last through Sunday. The officials withing the TGSA
heirarchy agonized over the call, but the contest was eventually postponed on Friday afternoon, amidst VERY good surf conditions up and down the coast. The prediction was that it would not last through Sunday, when the second day of heats was scheduled.
In the end, they were right...from all I hear from Galveston at the end of Sunday. So, with nowhere to go, the Bob Hall Pier locals made the best of three days of some very nice surf. Sunday was a PLAY day, with the surf having dropped off SIGNIFICANTLY. Tired and happy
surf souls gathered at the beach, in the manner that IS Texas surfing - as a big family. We simply enjoyed a day at the beach...with all the accutraments that make a day like this so special - tents, hammocks, frisbees, pizza, fun surf, warm water & good friends young and old.
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| Volcom Bushfish Surf Contest (Sep 25, 2004):
These images were captured during the course of the day that saw the Volcom surf gear company come to Corpus Christi. For the second year in a row, they set up camp at Bob Hall Pier and had an "open" contest, allowing anyone who signed up to compete.
It was a good crowd, with surfers coming down from Houston and up South Padre. But, the waves were less than cooperative and the surf was marginal.
However, the contest organizers kept the day flowing along by giving away a ton of stuff and holding contests and games that kept everyone entertained.
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| Hurricane Ivan - Surfing at BHP & Fish Pass (Sep 14 & 15, 2004):
Hurricane Ivan made its way into the Gulf of Mexico after demolishing Grenada, Jamaica and Cuba. What we got from him ont he Texas Gulf Coast was three days of not-quite-epic surf, but some of the biggest waves seen here in many years.
With surfers and photographers from all over the country here to sample the bounty, this was perhaps some of the most well documented surfing
ever captured on the Texas coast. For anyone whoever said, "there ain't no surf in Texas", these images (and those captured through the lenses of the other gathered photographers) should help dissuade that notion.
On Wednesday, Bob Hall Pier was shut down by authorites and some of the best action went uncaptured at all. A group of Corpus Christi's young rippers made their way to the jetties at Fish Pass and I was asked along. Here, I caught them in
action at a place that rarely gets filmed in such conditions. On Thursday, I didn't make it back to the beach but other local photographers did and caught some of the prettiest waves of the swell. I missed it completely, and am still
kicking myself in the butt for it.
Here, I offer some of the shots I got, from a swell that will be remembered for years to come.
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| TGSA Sharkey's Longboard Pro-Am (Sep 11, 2004):
In less than ideal conditions, the TGSA kicked off their 2004-2005 competitive season with a Pro-Am longboard contest in Port Aransas, Texas. There were plenty of entrants and double heats were run to get everything done in one day. Once again, it was a festive
event run by Charlie Cooke and his fellow TGSA cohorts. While the surf wasn't the best, there were few complaints and everyone seemed to have a good time.
It also happened to be Danielle Dodson's 15th Birthday (one of the dynamic Dodson duo) and this provided entertainment all of its own on the beach. Beloved by all the local young surfers, she and her friends celebrated as only kids do, messily and with great abandon.
The awards presentation was held at site of the main contest sponsor, Sharkey's - which is almost legendary around Port A. The hospitality shown to the TGSA and all of the kids was outstanding and was the perfect cap to another fun surf day on the beaches of Texas
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| Fish Pass - Wind-n-Wave Team Tryouts (August 28, 2004)
In August of 2004, I heard about the team tryouts for the Wind-n-Wave surf team, to be held at Fish Pass. It was a Saturday and I figured why not go out and check it out. I had been taking pictures of some of these kids for about a year, and they always gave me some great surfing to shoot...no matter the wave conditions.
The surf was very small, and the action was contained within the break between the jetties - a spot I had never filmed. So, it was quite the treat for me. ALL of these local rippers, competing informally against each other for a prestigious spot on Frank Floyd's surf team. It was a party at the beach. From my perch on the jetty,
I spied a face I had never seen before and got a few good shots of him in marginal surf. His Mom came up to me and introduced herself, and asked for pictures of her son, Colton. This was Susan Long, and before too long (no pun intended), not only had she bought the prints she asked for, but she also asked me to photograph her wedding,
which took place a few months later. I continue to meet great people in this community just like this. The joy is quite mutual.
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| Surfing at Bob Hall Pier (Aug 21, 2004):
These images capture a very typical late summer day at Bob Hall Pier, Corpus Christi, Texas. No hurricane swell, just a bit of surf churned up from the bowels of the Gulf by winds. The current was strong out of the south and it was a struggle to stay in the line-up on the south side of the pier. For those that made the effort, the reward was great.
On the beach, there was a BBQ being held for Jason LeBlance. He is a long time surf photographer from Corpus that has since moved to Vancouver. It was great to finally meet him after having been sharing e-mail for almost a year. Good Times all around. Enjoy!
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| Aborted Surf Trip To Mansfield (June 24, 2004)
Two years ago, I made my second foray to surf the jetty at Mansfield. Once again, Frank and Nathan Floyd invited me along. Jamie Thompson also made the trek. The plan was to make it down there in the middle of the night, where an expected front was going to generate the anticipated waves. We were to make camp in the dark and surf all the next day.
The drive was NOTHING like my first trip down there. This time, we had driving rain coming from the north that limited visibility to the extreme. As such, we hugged the waterline in the dark the whole way and crept along under 30 mph. At times, the wind was blowing the rain horizontally PAST us so the it appeared we were driving backwards. It was very erie to see.
The telephone pole-sized log we ran over in the dark brought to mind all those memories of people getting stranded on this remote beach. When we got there, it was far to windy and rainy to set up tents, so we hunkered down in the humid sweltering car. When the first beams of light hit, we were dismayed to find that the storm blew flat the Gulf, and there were NO waves to be had. It was a much more relaxed drive back home in the morning...
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| Gorda Bash 2004 (May 22, 2004):
What began a year ago with a few people camped out on the desolate beach of Matagorda, has become an annual event now enjoyed by dozens and dozens of Gulf Coast surfers. The sense of community exhibited at this fine event was nothing less than extraordinary. An impromptu surf contest was held (with the help of members of the TGSA) and the SOS Expression Session was born. Hand-made trophies were presented, followed by a raffle in which dozens of donated prizes from all around the surfing community were given away.
For myself, this day was extraordinarily special. I met so many people and made many new friends. But, the real honor came at the end of the awards ceremony. I was presented with a gorgeous plaque from the TGSA, Sould Out Surf, VERT Industries, Poseidon Surfboards and the ENTIRE GULF COAST COMMUNITY for my photographic contributions to Texas surfing for this past 8 months. What is a passion and love for me, has been appreciated and returned to me in a very special, tangible way. I cannot thank all of you enough for allowing me to capture the most generous and talented group of surfers and their friends and family. MAHALO.
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| TGSA TSSC South Padre (May 15 & 16, 2004):
These images were captured during the Texas Gulf Surfing Association's Texas State Surfing Championships, held at South Padre Island, Texas on May 15 & 16, 2004. Once again, Texas surfers shone during a festive two-day event that featured some
decent surf offered up from the Gulf of Mexico. And once again I was shown what true Texas hospitality is. The smiling faces and all-around pure stoke was evident everywhere as the TGSA season came to its close for the 2003-2004 season.
These images were actually lost in mid-May, when I had a computer hard drive malfunction. A tremendous friend used some data recovery magic and brought them back from beyond. I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I did shooting them.
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| Jared Clayton Memorial Surf-Off Meacom's Pier (May 8, 2004):
These images were captured at an impromptu surf contest held at Meacom's Pier on High Island, just north of Galveston, TX. The event was held as a memorial to a young local surfer (Jared Clayton) who had recently passed away due to cancer). The surf community
completely rallied behind the cause of helping the family with the mounting medical expenses, and I was proud to be asked to contribute three framed photographs to be auctioned off (with lots of other nice items) to help with the fundraising. There were also baked goods,
door prizes and many items contributed from local and international surf outlets. The vibe on the isolated beach among the hundreds of people that showed up was incredible and could not have been friendlier or more supporting.
The contest was held in marginal surf that built throughout the day to some very fun waves. The trophies presented were hand-carved by one of the local surfers, and became instant treasures. Two of these finely crafted pieces were given to the Claytons and received with teary thanks.
At the end of the day, a memorial "paddle out" was made, with most everyone on the beach with a board taking part. Words were softly spoken as dozens of local surfers gathered in a circle offshore - holding hands. A wreath was laid and then a rogue wave came through and busted up the
circle - as if Jared himself was saying, "Enough, everyone go get some waves!"
This was one of the most emotional things I have ever had the priveledge of filming, much less taking part in. I cannot possibly describe the swelling of sadness, pride, and a host of other heartwrenching emotions that swept through me on the pier as the paddle out took shape.
The tears streamed uncontrollably - such fine people, and such a beautiful sentiment. I am proud to be associated with Texas surfing, and the characters who surf here. Over $7,000 was raised on this day to help the family - not bad for a bunch of surfers !!
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| Paddle Texas (May 5-6, 2004)
I can't believe it was two years ago that Gene and Rachel Gore paddled 400 miles up the Texas coast - from the mouth of the Rio Grande to the mouth of the Sabine Rivers. They battled inclement weather, currents and sharks to bring attention to Surfrider's "Respect the Beach"
education program. It took almost three weeks to complete the journey, paddling in shifts. Along the way, they made stops in SPI, Corpus Christi, Port A, Surfside, Galveston and Sabine Pass.
These images document their stop at Bob Hall Pier, as they were heralded by a live band playing surf music on the pier and a small crowd of well-wishers, along with a snippet for the local news.
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| TGSA Open - Surfside (April 17 & 18, 2004):
The TGSA held another terrific contest recently in Surfside, Texas. Once again, the Texas surf stoke was in full effect, even in marginal surf conditions. This was the most difficult place
I have tried to shoot (surfing) due to the distance to the line-up from the beach, and the overall conditions in the water and with the lighting - lots of contrast. However, I did get a large
amount of photos that weren't shot in the water. Many of these are my favorites anyway. These people have become friends of mine in the last year, and I consider it a privelege to be allowed to
shoot them so intimately.
What you will find here are images that mean the world to me, and I consider them personal treasures - along with a few surfing shots, as well.
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Barry, Frank and Dave's images |
| The Fiji Adventure (March 25 - April 3, 2004):
These images were captured during the 10-day odyssey that took me from Corpus Christi, Texas to Namotu, Fiji - by way of Ocean Beach, California. There is no way to briefly describe
the experience, or how I came to be a part of it. But if you look at my archives, you will see that I came from a VERY unique surfing background. 5 of the 7 guys I was with all came from the same
place, at the same time. We share a surf history that goes back some 30 years, and this was a trip that celebrated that bond.
I was priveleged to be invited by Dave Kaplan from Surf Dog Records in Encinitas, California...and we became the "Surf Dog 7".
In the shortest possible summary, I can say this: My main camera stopped working the first morning of surf on the island of Namotu. I was then relegated to surf more, rather than shoot. We were then blessed
with amazing surf, at all four different breaks of Namotu (Namotu Lefts, Swimming Pools, Wilkes, and Desperations). The weather could not have been better either, with horrible storms bracketing the week we were there.
I got to surf the best waves of my life, with the best of friends.
The fact that I did not get to capture these moments on the camera that took me there was depressing, but there were other photographers there who have generously made their photgraphs available to me for displaying here. To them (Ben Kottke, Dan Coyro, Barry Finnerty, Dave Kaplan and Frank Gavitt), I say THANK YOU - from the bottom of my heart !!
I was able to shoot 1200 images with the good camera up through the first night on Namotu. These pictures are my favorites. I then captured 2000 images
around the island over the week with my backup, backup camera. The quality isn't the best, but they are images that I will treasure always. While many of the images
here aren't the most exciting surf pictures, they capture a trip that will be remembered for a lifetime. Allow me to share them with you.
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| Surfing Magazine Shoot (April 9, 2004):
These images were captured as part of an upcoming feature in Surfing Magazine, called something like, "A Day of Surf Around the World". It will feature one surf action and one representative "lifestyle" shot from locations around the world - all of them shot on April 9, 2004 (no matter the conditions).
I was deeply honored when they called me to take the photos to represent the Gulf Coast of Texas.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not cooperate with us (up and down the coast), and we only had the most marginal waves, barely rideable. But, it was Good Friday and the kids were out of school. So, many were at the beach enjoying the perfect South Texas weather.
Many were there that I have come to know and call friends in the last eight months. What I found more impressive, and completely representative of Texas surfing, was the makeup of the small lineup this day - which typified most any day, on any beach in Texas. There were groms just
learning and groms that rip, there were legendary fathers teaching young daughters, and proud long-time locals watching their sons in the line-up. There were the young girls of the Blue Crush generation - confident and more than competent. The local surf contest scene was duly represented with
some of the best talent the area has produced. There were new kids in town, brought into the fold like long lost members of the family. And then there was inspiration that cannot be put into words.
The scene typified the Texas surf stoke - all these varied surfers, all enjoying even the most marginal days - just for the chance, and the love, of getting in the water.
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| TGSA CC Open at Horace Caldwell Pier (March 13&14, 2004):
These images were captured on the weekend of March 13&14, 2004. The TGSA held their twice post-poned CC Open surf contest and were blessed by two days of contestable surf, and one perfect day at the beach. Once again,
I was blown away by the outpouring of support by the people that frequent, observe & participate in these events. Thanks to everyone who came up and said "hi". I can't express wonderful each of you made me feel.
The competition was held with little to no problems, and everyone seemed to have a great time, even when the weather tried not to cooperate. The celebrations on Saturday night were marked by quiet gatherings of friends in Port A, Padre Isles and south Corpus,
as Sunday would bring another day of competition and a perfect day of surf that cleaned up as the sun came out.
Gracious thanks go to those who stayed with us at the house, and to all who visited over the weekend. A special thanks to Charlie, Julie and Cliff for putting together another fine surfing event here in South Texas, where the surf stoke gets more intense with each passing week.
It feels great to be a part of such tremendous camaraderie and fellowship.
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| Surfing at Bob Hall Pier (March 6, 2004):
These images were captured on March 6, 2004. It was another partly cloudy day, so the light was not very good in the morning...lots of contrast. But, it was good to get out and shoot friends in the water once again.
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| Surfing at Bob Hall Pier (February 28, 2004):
These images were shot on February 28, 2004. It was an overcast / partly cloudy day, so the light was not the greatest. But, there was some fun surf that would continue to build throughout the morning and afternoon on the south side of Bob Hall Pier. It was good to get out and shoot
my friends again. It had been five weeks since I had a chance to shoot some surf, and I was itching. During the day, I got a call from Morgan Faulkner (in Port A) and he eventually came down south and I finally got a chance to shoot him. It was NOT disappointing. Another fine day
on Padre Island !!
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| Surfing at Bob Hall Pier (January 17, 2004):
These images were shot on January 17, 2004. It was great to have friends driving down from Houston, staying at my home, and enjoying a sweet swell that provided a full day of surfing which fed into a terrific party at the house later that evening.
Good friends, great waves, perfect weather (shorts on the pier in mid-January), all followed up Sunday night with the raging, standing-room-only showing of "There Ain't No Surf In Texas" at the Executive Surf Club in downtown Corpus. What an amazing weekend!!
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| Surfing at Bob Hall Pier (January 8, 2004):
These images were shot on January 8, 2004. A nice little swell on a cold, wet morning. Unfortunately, the waves and surfing got better just as I was leaving, shortly after noon - and the lighting this morning was awful, with overcast skies. So,
these are not the best photos. However, there are pictures here of folks I have not shot and displayed before, and I like giving everyone exposure.
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| Surfing at Bob Hall Pier (January 4, 2004):
These images were shot on January 4, 2004. The enormous importance the Gulf Coast surfers place upon weather prediction and overall area weather monitoring has impressed me to no end. This Sunday proved to be
a testament to the local surf knowlege. For almost a week, the word had spread that "it looked good for Sunday, probably in the afternoon". Low and behold, as if on cue, Mother Nature delivered
a wonderful little swell and it was well received among the locals at Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi. Another perfect opportunity for me to showcase the local surf talent, and many new friends.
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| Surfing at Gorda (December 28, 2003):
These images were shot on December 28, 2003. A few of us trekked up north to Matagorda Beach and met up with friends from the Houston area on the hopes that there would be some surf. The conditions were not quite as expected, as the front we were hoping to meet didn't arrive until early evening.
Never-the-less, there was just enough surf to keep everyone stoked and the comraderie of the day was unmistakable. I met more people and made some new friends, which makes the day priceless in my book. The lighting was terrible, so these pictures are not the greatest quality, but I had never had the chance to shoot at this location, nor these people. So, here are most all of the surf shots, and some nice scenery.
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| Miscellaneous Photo Shoots (December 2003):
These images actually fall into several categories (surfing, friends, scenery) but I felt compelled to put them here in the SURFING section, as they were all shot either
enroute to a surf photo shoot, or in lieu of a surfing photo shoot, or during a surfing photo shoot. Here, you will find shots of surfing, when good surf was not to be found
(12-16-03 and 12-23-03), sunrises, sunsets, beach shots, bird shots, and an impromptu holiday shoot at BHP and Snoopy's with good friends.
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| Surfing at Bob Hall Pier (December 13, 2003):
These images were captured during a wind generated swell coming from the north. The previouis Tuesday provided terrific surf conditions (I was stuck at work) preceded by weather that was mirrored leading up to this day.
Unfortunately, similar surf conditions did not follow suit. It was cold, windy (from the north) and there was a wicked current, also from the north.
Had I not had the pleasure of actually meeting a good deal of the folks in the water (during the last few months), I would have certainly left. But, since I had another opportunity to shoot friends in the water, I stayed for a few hours.
The lighting was awful, and the pictures aren't the best. But then, sometimes ANY picture of yourself is a good one, so I offer these up for all to share.
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| Surfing at Mansfield (December 2003):
These images were captured during a day trip down to the jetties at Port Mansfield, Texas. Fortunately for us, the north wind & north swell provided just enough
surf for a fun day in December.
The beach drive was one of the fastest in combined memories and we got down and back in record time. The day was made even more memorable with our assisting of an
injured pelican, and then the spotting of deer on the island road on the way home, as the sun was setting. Sometimes it is the little things that make life special.
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| Mexico Adventure (November 2003):
These images were captured during a very last minute trip that brought together eight Texas surfers and one intrepid photographer, as they sought out the best breaks, south of the border, as a huge front swept down from the north.
What transpired was five days of fun surf, with great surf on two of those days. At each break we hit, we were the only ones out.
The stoke on the surfing was intense and new friendships were forged. Along the way, I shot 1900 photos, before the camera jammed into uselessness. Fortunately, I brought a backup camera, and managed another 500 shots. I also shot a good deal of video.
My great thanks to Frank Floyd for bringing me along and making me feel like family. Nathan, Micah and Brad...what great traveling companions. The Houston crew included Layne, James, Julian & Andy - all of them could not have been nicer. Julian's excitement
about having pictures taken was infectuous, and the best parts of the trip (for me) were when they would gather at the end of the day around the laptop as the photos from the day's surfing were shown.
With any luck, some of these images will always be great treasures for each of them...it's the least I can do.
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| TGSA - Galveston (November 2003):
These images were captured on November 15 & 16 in Galveston. The TGSA contest was a complete success and a great time was had by all - making the most of the limited surf conditions.
The awards party, held at the Balinese Room was also a huge hit for everyone. Great friends were made and I was treated to amazing hospitality. Many thanks to everyone involved in any way.
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| Horace Caldwell & Bob Hall Piers (November 2003):
These images were taken at Port Aransas (Horace Caldwell) and Bob Hall Piers on November 12, 2003. No special swell, probably just a typical day.
I just happened to be in the mood to catch some waves and took my camera with me. I shot in the morning in Port A, from about 10:30 to 11:30, then drove south to Bob Hall
and shot there for about an hour, from noon until 1:00.
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| Annual Baja Trip (October 2003):
These images were shot at the annual Baja trip that is enjoyed by the best of friends - friends for 30 years in some cases, and brand new friends in others. We were once
again blessed with surf as we made our way over 100 kilometers deep into Baja with 20 guys, 30 boards, two dogs, 8 vehicles, and one amazing little boat.
Unlike last year's trip, the surf didn't break heavily at the "main" break this time. Instead, "chicken neck" broke the best - which didn't break at all during last year's trip.
I found some terrific camera angles on the cliffside above this incredible break, and was further treated to shooting wonderful photos from the 13-1/2 foot skiff that was brought along. It was
quite a fantastic opportunity to shoot surfing from such a rarely seen view.
This year, the troupe was once again joined by David Britton (who missed last year's outing). His presence (and world-class chef background) meant that we ate like kings, every meal - on the dirt cliffs of remote Baja. The comradery of
this now annual pilgrimage is difficult to express, but there is a core of us, who have known each other and surfed together for literally 25-30 years. This is the one chance we all have to catch up on each other's lives -
and marvel at our incredible history together. The stories told around that campfire could fill volumes !! Having my nephew (Jamie) there with me is like bringing a new generation into the fold, and they have
embraced him with unbridled enthusiasm.
These images, I feel, capture that warmth...that brotherhood. It really doesn't get any better than this!!
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| Volcom Bushfish Surf Contest - Bob Hall Pier (September 2003):
These images were captured on September 20, 2003, on the north side of Bob Hall Pier. The day began on a dismal note - with rain and heavily overcast skies. I got there just after 7 a.m. and caught some shots
of the crowd huddled under the tents, looking grimly at the small and inconsistent surf. I am fortunate to have brought an umbrella. Otherwise, I would have been unable to shoot at all. The lighting was marginal
for the early rounds of surfing. The entire surfing community seemed to be out on the north side of the pier, with the contestants being a few hundred yards further north. So, there wasn't much I could shoot of them.
The "pack" by the pier had some decent little waves, and its always fun to watch the grommes on the inside...learning to shred. I shot from the pier for a while and then tried to shoot from the shoreline, atop one of the
picnic bench awnings. The light was even worse from this angle, and I wasn't much closer to the contestants. Frustrated, I went back to the pier.
The current became more severe (north-to-south) as the winds began to pick up late in the morning. This had the added effect of moving the contestants up against the pier. By this time, the "pack" had thinned considerably, but
there were still the odd waves when competitor and non-competitor took off on the same wave. For the most part, the contestants had the run of the break from the pier northward for several hundred yards.
By noon, the wind was really blowing hard, and the surf had all but disappeared into disorganized large chop. Then, it started to rain again. At this point, I needed batteries and to get out of the rain. So, I left Bob Hall Pier
at about 12:45. I was in pounding rain all the home (on the south side of CC) and contemplated calling it a day. I had lunch, and then the sky started clearing a little. I opted to head back to the beach. I would have kicked myself
in the ass had I not. I was stunned when I got back at 2:20!! The wind had died down, the sun came out, and the tide had dropped. The surf zone was definitely near the pier and chest-to-head high waves were coming in regularly.
I shot from the pier for the next few hours and the afternoon sunlight really brought out the colors in the water. There was lots of action to shoot and the contest ended shortly before 6:00. I then found a perch atop another
of the picnic bench awnings and captured the trophy / prize presentations. It was a good turnout and everyone had a great time. I met LOTS of people (as I was a human billboard) and want
to thank everyone for their kind words and support. It seems every week I meet more wonderful people in this warm and friendly Texas surf community. Having spent so much time in SoCal (the 80's), it is
such a treat to meet so many NICE people who surf!
If you know the name of any of the surfers pictured here, let me know and I'll properly caption the photos.
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| Bob Hall Pier - TS Grace (August 2003):
These images were caught on the morning of August 31, 2003. After a very flat spell with absolutely no surf, tropical storm Grace zipped westward across the Gulf of Mexico. While it initially
aimed itself at Port Aransas, it jogged north at the last minute. This gave us a great day of surf, while maintaining perfect weather. It was one of those days (for me) when I was headed to the island to go
wakeboarding, and happened to have the camera gear with me. I felt the weather conditions were ripe for some surf, so I stopped to look at the pier on the way. I ended up staying there for over 4 hours, and was
given another rare, perfect opportunity to shot our local surf talent in the best of conditions. It was nice to finally meet Frank Floyd in person!!
If you know the name of any of the surfers pictured here, let me know and I'll properly caption the photos.
The rest of the day was spent enjoying a shortened session of wakeboarding in Port A. - in terrific glassy conditions.
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| Bob Hall & Horace Caldwell Piers - Claudette (July 2003):
These images were captured on July 13, 2003. With tropical storm Claudette churning in the Gulf of Mexico, a few hundred miles
to the southeast of Corpus Christi, the surf picked up for one clean day of good sized waves. I filmed at Bob Hall pier for 4 hours in the morning,
and caught some great action on the inside break on the south side of the pier. The lighting and the waves were just right, and the water
hadn't yet been browned by the constant churning of the sand below. If you know the name of any of the surfers pictured here, let me know and I'll properly caption the photos.
I had to pull myself away to drive up the coast a bit to Port Aransas and Horace Caldwell Pier. Here, I found the waves
breaking further outside than I have ever seen, probably over half-a-mile out. The tide was low and there was nothing but impact zone inside, near
the pier. So, all the action was taking place WAY outside. I was at the end of the pier's "T" and the action was still hundreds of yards further out. I
didn't shoot as many photos here, because everyone was surfing fairly timidly, due to the incredible paddle required, should a fall occur in the impact zone.
I shot from here for a few more hours.
I returned to Bob Hall pier late in the afternoon, but by this time the surf had lost most all of its form and the water was full of sand. I shot for
another 90 minutes here, but there wasn't much worth shooting.
During the course of the day, I also got some terrific bird photos. These can be found in the Scenery
Section, or Click Here
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Surfing at Horace Caldwell Pier (Oct 2002):
These surf pictures were shot after returning from Baja, California at the beginning of October, 2002. After the great waves we had in Baja, this was some delicious icing to the surfing cake served up to my nephew and I in the winter of 2002. |
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Surfing in Baja (Sep 2002) Day 3:
These are select surf photos from the surf trip at the end of September, 2002. I went with my nephew and hooked up with friends I've known for 25 years - many of who I hadn't seen in over 15 years. It was a wonderful experience, on many levels. The surf was clean, fast and ultrafun (if you like rights - LOL). The images at the beginning of this album suffer from the lack of light that was available the first morning that I took the camera out. When the sun came out in the afternoon, the images got MUCH better. |
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Surfing in Baja (Sep 2002) Day 4:
These are surf images that were shot during the late afternoon session on the 4th day of our excursion. The waves wrapping around the point of St. Joseph were perfect and Kray, Bear and Gram had an excellent session, with wonderful light and beautiful blue skies. |
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Surfing in Baja (Sep 2002) Day 5:
These surf pics were shot on day 5 of the Baja trip. By this time, I had found the best location for shooting the surf action, and these shots reflect that. Next year, I'll shoot from this vantage point (up on the cliff) almost exclusively. |
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Surfing at Horace Caldwell Pier (SEP 2002):
These images were taken just prior to my surf trip to Baja, California. The surf had picked up substantially due to hurricane Isadore, which was churning its way through the Gulf of Mexico and up to Louisiana. It was some of the best CLEAN, large surf that had been seen on South Padre Island in a long time. |
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2002 Texas State Surfing Championships (May 2002):
These images were snapped on the morning of May 6, 2002 at Horace Caldwell Pier in Port Aransas, Texas. I only shot a handful of images before I convinced myself that the surf looked WAY too fun to be out of the water. |
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Surfing at Bob Hall Pier (Oct 2001):
Following the previous photo shoot, I was anxious to pursue this aspect of photography to a greater degree. These were the results of the 2nd such surfing shoot, using the new Fuji S1 Professional; digital SLR camera. I fell in love with this fine piece of equipment. |
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Surfing at Bob Hall Pier (Sep 2001):
These images were taken from Bob Hall Pier on September 30, 2001. The surf was a little better than normal and this was my first opportunity to use my new camera to shoot surfing. The results were better than expected. |
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