• CLASSIC SURF
  • ART PRINTS
  • ETHEREAL
    • IMAGES
    • ABOUT
    • résumé
  • BLOG
Menu

Ted Grambeau

  • CLASSIC SURF
  • ART PRINTS
  • ETHEREAL
  • FOLIO
    • IMAGES
    • ABOUT
    • résumé
  • BLOG

PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG

SURF ADVENTURE - FINE ART - WORLDS BEST WAVES by Ted Grambeau


Surf rescuce in massive waves

Daniel Rangel, one of Nazaré’s fearless rescue team members, recovers Brazilian big-wave surfer Will Santana.

NAZARE WIPEOUT →

April 1, 2025

NAZARE’S BIG WAVE DRAMA: A Thrilling Encounter

FROM AFRICA TO THE MONSTER WAVES OF NAZARE

Only five days after returning to Australia from experiencing perfect points of North Africa, another intense low-pressure system appeared on the charts. This one was different. It wasn’t just massive - it came with offshore winds, setting up some of the best big-wave conditions of the winter. Despite having just travelled from Europe and North Africa a return journey seemed to be the most logical thing to do. This could be the swell of the winter for the Atlantic and I didn’t want to risk missing it.

“Nazaré, Portugal, was the obvious call”

With its sheer cliffs offering incredible vantage points, and the world’s top big-wave surfers converging, I knew I had to be there. After a lightning-fast turnaround at home, I was back on a plane to Europe.

For me, it’s never just about the literal surf action. I’m always searching for that image—the one that makes your jaw drop. It could be the raw power of the ocean, a perfect moment of harmony and chaos, or an entirely new perspective on a wave we think we’ve seen before.

 

Sea of foam impedes the jet ski’s ability to escape a looming threat.

A Rescue Gone Wrong
One of the most spectacular moments of the season wasn’t a surfer or a wave, it was a wipe-out. Brazilian big-wave surfer Will Santana took off on one of the largest waves of the day, only to be swallowed by 60 feet of detonating whitewater. Forced to bail, he disappeared beneath the surface.

Foam Monster
Enter Daniel Rangel, one of Nazaré’s fearless rescue team members—arguably the most dangerous job in the sport. After an agonisingly long hold-down, Will finally surfaced, lost in a sea of whitewater. Daniel moved in fast, positioning his ski to get Will on the sled. But then, disaster struck.

 

A point of no return.

Disaster of Massive Proportion's
As the jet ski tried to escape the danger zone it lost propulsion due to the amount of foam, an enormous wall of whitewater loomed. In a split-second decision, Daniel bailed, trying to escape, while Will, still on the sled, was drawn up the face of a monstrous wave.

“The wave devoured both of them in the most violent manner.”

 

Engulfed in a sea of darkness.

“One of the Most Spectacular Incidents I have ever witnessed in Four Decades of Shooting Surf”

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN
Miraculously, neither of them made contact with the ski in what was one of the most intense wipeouts I’ve ever witnessed. Within seconds, a dozen rescue skis swarmed in, retrieving them safely. The jet ski, however, was carried by Nazaré’s relentless rip, washing onto the rocks before being sucked back out for two full laps of the lineup.

 

Recovery teams enter the impact zone.

“Thankfully, both surfers were not injured — a combination of their ocean skills, a bit of luck and incredible support from their fellow surfers.”

All these extreme athletes are well versed in the risks they face and the dangers that confront them and train and coordinate to minimise all possible outcomes. But in the end the nature of this activity is high risk and high reward.

 

North African Sojourn

Chasing Atlantic swells From Australia

pastel hues line up africa.jpg

The pastel hues pre sunrise over a stack swell lines makes an inviting scene.

Beyond the studio and gallery walls, my latest adventures have been all about chasing incredible swells around the world.

 
perfect grinding barrel  surfer.jpg

A solid swell grinds off a shallow sand point.

One standout session took place in North Africa, where an epic Atlantic swell delivered perfect, reeling right-hand waves. With a mix of local and international talent in the water, 6–8 foot barrels rolled through like clockwork. Below, you’ll find a few shots from that unforgettable session.

 
Surf Photo of Speed Blur Surfing

The perfect peeling synchronicity provides maximum barrel time.

Having travelled to Morocco and other regions of North Africa on multiple occasions for more than three decades it’s still an incredible experience not just the waves , the people, culture and the crisp desert light.

 
Maxium  speed,grinding barrel.jpg

Comfortably slotted.


Alfred: A Rare Cyclone Event on the Gold Coast

wild ocean, frenzy, koas.jpg

Cyclone Alfred churned the coast in to a frenzy.

Before I even finished documenting Nazaré, the surf forecast models were lighting up with predictions of a highly unusual weather event - this time, back home on the Gold Coast. A cyclone tracking unusually far south, potentially generating incredible waves, was becoming more of a reality by the hour.

A few long-haul flights, several airline meals and a handful of in-flight movies later, I was back in Australia - just in time for Alfred to become a reality.

 
perfect lines of swell stack up at kirra

Long luscious lines at Kirra courtesy of Alfred.

ONE OFF?
This was a rare setup. Typically, a cyclone needs consistently warm waters above 26.5°C to maintain intensity and for one to travel this far south is almost unheard of. But with ocean temperatures hovering above 27°C along the coast in late summer, the conditions were there.

We’re entering a new era - one where the Gold Coast could find itself in cyclone territory more often. Was this a one-off event, or a sign of things to come? Only time will tell.

 

A surfer immersed in a thick and meaningful relationship with Kirra.

THE SWELL BEFORE THE STORM
For three days, flawless waves lit up the points, delivering some of the best surf in recent memory. Then came the wild weather. While the system brought intense conditions, most would agree we dodged a bullet in terms of potential destruction.

Nature’s power is always humbling and Alfred was a reminder of just how fine the line is between beauty and chaos.

 
perfect line up collangatta kirra.jpg

The Gold Coast is blessed with a child and adult minding centre during cyclone swells.

PREVIOUS PERFECT SWELLS

BEST OF THE BEST
Standing on top of Kirra hill I am patiently waiting for all the elements to align. I have beautiful morning light and an epic off season winter swell and I'm just waiting for that one set that hits the bank in perfect synchronicity. The waves groomed by a light offshore wind, I require the breaking set to be ruler edge as they grind across reef. Even for the most perfect breaks this moment of perfection is challenging to capture - finally my persistence is rewarded and Magic happens.

This formula is one I have repeated all over the globe for several decades now, in an effort to document the world's most perfect waves at their very best.

 
'GOLDEN COOLANGATTA' WAVE #95 'GOLDEN COOLANGATTA' WAVE #95 'GOLDEN COOLANGATTA' WAVE #95 'GOLDEN COOLANGATTA' WAVE #95
'GOLDEN COOLANGATTA' WAVE #95

MORE POPULAR WAVE PRINTS

Featured
‘FLAWLESS' WAVE #82
‘FLAWLESS' WAVE #82
'CYCLOPS' WAVE #1
'CYCLOPS' WAVE #1
'NIAS THUNDER' WAVE #69
'NIAS THUNDER' WAVE #69

TOP 3 BLOG POSTS

Featured
NAZARE WIPEOUT
Apr 1, 2025
NAZARE WIPEOUT
Apr 1, 2025

Immerse yourself in the epic world of Nazaré’s big-wave drama where monstrous surf and daring wipeouts are captured in breathtaking photography. Follow the journey from North Africa’s pristine swells to the adrenaline fuelled cyclonic surges on the Gold Coast. Discover exclusive insights thrilling rescues and raw power of nature, all artistically framed to ignite your passion for surf adventure.

Read More →
Apr 1, 2025
THE EDDIE
Jan 14, 2025
THE EDDIE
Jan 14, 2025

Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational 2024-2025: A Tribute to Surfing’s Ultimate Legacy.
Experience the raw power and heroic spirit of the Eddie, where legends like Luke Shepardson, Mark Healey, Ross Clarke-Jones and Billy Kemper defy 35ft waves at Waimea Bay. Celebrate the courage and commitment of big-wave surfing’s greatest event - captured in unforgettable moments and stunning photography prints. Dive into the story behind this iconic tribute.

Read More →
Jan 14, 2025
A LIFE OF SURF ADVENTURE
Dec 15, 2024
A LIFE OF SURF ADVENTURE
Dec 15, 2024

There’s always a swell somewhere on this planet calling me and as long as the airlines are flying, so are my cameras. Occasionally, we get an upgrade, but honestly, I couldn’t care less. As long as I make it to the spot before the swell hits, I’m good.

Read More →
Dec 15, 2024
THE EDDIE →
Featured
NAZARE WIPEOUT
Apr 1, 2025
NAZARE WIPEOUT
Apr 1, 2025
Apr 1, 2025
THE EDDIE
Jan 14, 2025
THE EDDIE
Jan 14, 2025
Jan 14, 2025
A LIFE OF SURF ADVENTURE
Dec 15, 2024
A LIFE OF SURF ADVENTURE
Dec 15, 2024
Dec 15, 2024
EDGE OF OBLIVION
Oct 5, 2024
EDGE OF OBLIVION
Oct 5, 2024
Oct 5, 2024
ADVENTURES IN LIGHT
Dec 30, 2023
ADVENTURES IN LIGHT
Dec 30, 2023
Dec 30, 2023
HELL OR HIGH WATER
Oct 5, 2023
HELL OR HIGH WATER
Oct 5, 2023
Oct 5, 2023
WILD OCEAN SURF PHOTOGRAPHY
Mar 28, 2022
WILD OCEAN SURF PHOTOGRAPHY
Mar 28, 2022
Mar 28, 2022
UNDERWATER PORTRAITS
Mar 10, 2021
UNDERWATER PORTRAITS
Mar 10, 2021
Mar 10, 2021
PERFECT WAVES
Nov 19, 2020
PERFECT WAVES
Nov 19, 2020
Nov 19, 2020
FULL MOON CURRUMBIN
Nov 4, 2020
FULL MOON CURRUMBIN
Nov 4, 2020
Nov 4, 2020
SURF ADVENTURE
Jul 25, 2019
SURF ADVENTURE
Jul 25, 2019
Jul 25, 2019
MICK FANNING
Jul 23, 2019
MICK FANNING
Jul 23, 2019
Jul 23, 2019
SURF OCEAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Jun 12, 2019
SURF OCEAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Jun 12, 2019
Jun 12, 2019
MONSTER SURF AT NIAS
Feb 21, 2019
MONSTER SURF AT NIAS
Feb 21, 2019
Feb 21, 2019
BIG WAVE SURFERS
Feb 14, 2019
BIG WAVE SURFERS
Feb 14, 2019
Feb 14, 2019
COLD EDGE SURF ADVENTURE
May 9, 2018
COLD EDGE SURF ADVENTURE
May 9, 2018
May 9, 2018
MICK FANNING SURFING
Apr 5, 2018
MICK FANNING SURFING
Apr 5, 2018
Apr 5, 2018
OCEAN ART EXHIBITION
Mar 17, 2018
OCEAN ART EXHIBITION
Mar 17, 2018
Mar 17, 2018
SURF PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK
Feb 14, 2018
SURF PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK
Feb 14, 2018
Feb 14, 2018
MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Aug 23, 2017
MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Aug 23, 2017
Aug 23, 2017
AUSTRALIA
Aug 9, 2017
AUSTRALIA
Aug 9, 2017
Aug 9, 2017
SURF ADVENTURE ENDANGERED
Jun 13, 2017
SURF ADVENTURE ENDANGERED
Jun 13, 2017
Jun 13, 2017
OCEAN FINE ART EXHIBITION
Apr 25, 2017
OCEAN FINE ART EXHIBITION
Apr 25, 2017
Apr 25, 2017
SYDNEY PHOTO FESTIVAL
Apr 13, 2017
SYDNEY PHOTO FESTIVAL
Apr 13, 2017
Apr 13, 2017
NUMBER ONE PORTRAIT
Mar 19, 2017
NUMBER ONE PORTRAIT
Mar 19, 2017
Mar 19, 2017
OCEAN ART PRINTS
Sep 21, 2016
OCEAN ART PRINTS
Sep 21, 2016
Sep 21, 2016
FASHION SWIMWEAR
Aug 14, 2016
FASHION SWIMWEAR
Aug 14, 2016
Aug 14, 2016
NEV HOUSE
Apr 28, 2016
NEV HOUSE
Apr 28, 2016
Apr 28, 2016
THIRST LIGHT
Apr 15, 2016
THIRST LIGHT
Apr 15, 2016
Apr 15, 2016
NIKON CAMERA
Apr 12, 2016
NIKON CAMERA
Apr 12, 2016
Apr 12, 2016

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Featured
THE EDDIE
THE EDDIE
A LIFE OF SURF ADVENTURE
A LIFE OF SURF ADVENTURE
EDGE OF OBLIVION
EDGE OF OBLIVION
ADVENTURES IN LIGHT
ADVENTURES IN LIGHT
HELL OR HIGH WATER
HELL OR HIGH WATER
WILD OCEAN SURF PHOTOGRAPHY
WILD OCEAN SURF PHOTOGRAPHY
PERFECT WAVES
PERFECT WAVES
MONSTER SURF AT NIAS
MONSTER SURF AT NIAS
BIG WAVE SURFERS
BIG WAVE SURFERS
SUPER HUMAN SURFERS
SUPER HUMAN SURFERS
WAVE OF CONSEQUENCE
WAVE OF CONSEQUENCE

SUBSCRIBE
 

SURF & WAVES | ART PRINTS | TRAVEL | BOOK

HOME | ABOUT | CONTACT | BLOG
limited edition orders | classic surf print orders | terms & conditions | privacy policy

Ted Grambeau trading as ADVENTURES IN LIGHT PTY LTD
Copyright © Ted Grambeau 2025