MICK FANNING
There's been a lot of love going on here at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in Victoria. Mick's close friends and family have travelled from all over to stand beside him as he comes to the end of his pro surfing career. A sea of fans, waving posters and phones and cheering for Mick all eager to pat him on the back and grab a selfie with their hero.
The excitement on the beach each day has been phenomenal. I've been to a lot comps over the years, photographed the tour all round the world and this Rip Curl Pro at Bells would have to be the most moving of all.
A strong sense of appreciation is shared with every hug, smiles seem wider, eyes are kind and hearts are overflowing with respect and admiration for this man we know as Mick Fanning. Three time World Champion and great guy has opened up his world and allowed us to share in this momentous event with him.
MOMENTS
I've selected these images based on their photographic and emotive content as I wanted to reflect the mood of the day - One of revelation, celebrations and appreciation.
THE JOURNEY
As Micks completes this chapter of his life, I have no doubt he'll embrace the next with just as much verve.
Let the journey continue - 'THE SEARCH'
Copyright © Ted Grambeau 2018 T&C's
WAVES OF CONSEQUENCE
ENDANGERED - Surf Adventure (Iron Horse) “This was a journey. A real journey. And in my humble opinion, that ideal is endangered.”
POINT BREAK - HELL OR HIGH WATER - “The swell arrived and did not disappoint, conditions were flawless and the scene was set, local surfers continued to vi for waves as it was business as usual at the worlds most notorious left-hander.…”
MONSTER SURF - Nias “The usual suspects, the team of big wave surf nomads that circulate the globe, arrived at a similar time to myself, in time for an 8-10ft swell.”
EDGE OF OBLIVION - CODE RED - “Perched precariously on the back (stern) of George Riou’s boat, I am 100% focused on capturing whatever drama is about to unfold in front of me. A shiver runs up my spine as a…”
BIG WAVE SURFERS - Fiji “Fiji not only produced one of the biggest swells ever, but became a magnet for the world’s best big wave athlete’s, both tow and paddle.”
WILD OCEAN - DARK FUN - “Some surf locations need no introduction, however, if you're still unsure let me just say it's one of the wildest and most dangerous locations in the world for surfer and photographer. Great whites don't seem to mind the bitterly cold conditions.”
BEYOND LIMITS - SUPER HUMAN - “2015's year of Pro Surfing was beyond incredible and at the same time brutally punishing. The world's best surfers were absolutely pushed to the bloody edge…”
WAVE OF CONSEQUENCE - “These waves are ridden by choice not chance, those who chase them, hunt them and ride them, all understand the consequences and choose to risk their lives.”
