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Julian Wilson and Jordy Smith, two excited men, Reunion Island

“First day in Reunion Island with Jordy (Smith) and Julian (Wilson),” says photog Ryan Miller. Now, that’s a perfectly ordinary English sentence. But to those who know what it really means, it’s a lot more than just words. To those who know, it spells progression of the premium variety. “The boys are here to go mad on that righthand ramp that Jordy slayed in Modern Collective (with Mitch Coleborn and Craig Anderson.) They’re hoping to one-up the moves in that part.”

Considering the ground that performance surfing’s covered since Mod Coll‘s release in 2009, it’s certain that Jordy and Jules will succeed. Especially since the team is so thrilled to be at the wavepark. “The first morning we were up and at it at first light, after only three hours sleep,” continues Ryan. “Less for Jordy, since he was so excited. Here, Jordy’s losing it at how good the waves are.” And while Jordy can’t contain his excitement, Julian’s brother Bart ain’t so thrilled. “Bart deemed it the worst waves anyone could possibly surf due to the wind blowing into it and the ramp heading at you on every wave. This right is definitely for the advanced aerialist only.” Sounds kinda, really perfect for Julian and Jordy, right? This is one trip you definitely wanna stay tuned-in for.

Photographer profile

Ryan Miller

Ryan Miller, 33 years old, does not know how to write a bad email. Your pals at Stab have learnt to live vicariously through Miller’s red wine-fuelled letters from the road. His travels take him to some dreamy locales and, in those places, he scores all-time photos: “My favourite photo I’ve shot was of Benny Bourgeois in the Caribbean, with a fisheye. Often I just take photos, but rarely do I get to make one.” In an age of tail-highs and released fins, Ryan still most likes to shoot someone who can lay-down a big backside turn. Namely: Jordy Smith, Dane Reynolds, Gabe Kling, Kekoa Bacalso, Damien Hobgood and Peter Mendia. Like most photogs, Miller misses Scott Aichner’s work. But, as far as contemporary inspiration? “Trying to see things through my daughter’s eyes. It’s wild to think about someone experiencing something totally new on almost a daily basis when, as adults, we rarely get to experience something truly new.”

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