One North Shore Winter, as Documented by Christa Funk
Showcasing one of the best water photographers in Hawaii
Keala Kennelly, still going. Photo: Christa Funk
Showcasing one of the best water photographers in Hawaii
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Editor’s note: In honor of International Women’s Day, we’ll be rolling out a week’s worth of stories one each day from March 8-14 that celebrate and showcase contributions women have made to the sport, lifestyle and culture of surfing. (And yeah: we’ll continue to do so in the weeks and months ahead.)
When it comes to surf photography, and specifically shooting from the lineup in heavy waves, it pays to be a solid swimmer. Yeah, um…duh.
When those defined lines of long-period energy come marching out of the North Pacific toward these famed volcanic gems, the true energy and ferocity of these waves can’t be captured from the beach. The action is best documented from out in the channel, often yards or mere feet from where massive chunks of sea realize their full potential, topping over themselves in nature’s display of beautiful blue violence.
Being that close to the beast is perilous to say the least. A photographer must be equal parts artist, technician and athlete. We interviewed a few of these photographers down on “the Rock” via email about the heroics behind the lens. Christa Funk and Jackie Fiero were still riding a high from all the energy this winter both the long-period energy and the energy shared between the photographers and surfers.