'ROGUE RISE' - Naiki Vaast charges a sleeper ‘rogue’ set at Teahupo’o, Tahiti during an August 2025 tow-in session.

When A Sleeper Wakes: “There are moments in the ocean that defy logic, what we call rogue sets. They look like a regular part of the swell until, once locked in, they transform into something much larger. Watching Naiki move with calm precision through that wave was a rare thing to see.” — Ted Grambeau

‘It wasn’t just a ride, it was timing, power and respect. That’s what this image is about.’

On days like this the base of the swell can hide a wave’s real size until it hits the reef. Boats scrambled, voices cut the channel and in the middle of the chaos Naiki stayed composed. He traced the line through a sleeping swell that suddenly stood to its full height and let loose. Capturing that instant where a wave becomes a living wall and the rider answers with silence and precision, is why I chase these swells.

CLASSIC SURF PRINT

Print Size: Wide 1:2 ratio
37.5cm x 75cm (approx 15”x 30”)
50cm x 100cm (approx 20”x 40”)
60cm x 120cm (approx 24”x 48”)