Heather Smith, A Lone Surfer (DOCUMENTARY & STREET 2025)

This surfer paused at the top of the steep stairs, waiting respectfully while I finished photographing my mates – a small gesture of courtesy despite their schedule at the Pro Surf practice day. I glanced down moments later and saw this same solitary figure walking across the beach. Their footprints traced a beautiful line behind them, creating a visual boundary between the ocean's energy and the beach's calm. My camera was tucked away, but I couldn't let this slip by. I grabbed my phone as fast as I could – the best camera is the one you have with you! This shot captures something special about surfing culture – the quiet contemplation before entering the water, that moment of connection between surfer and sea that happens at iconic breaks like Bells.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.