A Morning Swim Through Off The Wall (On One Of The Few Worthwhile Days)

While there’s been no shortage of swell the last two weeks, weather and winds have made for trying conditions, not least of which for a fruitful photographic swim, several swells in the water at once, ferocious rips running every which way from VLand to Keiki, disorder all around.

During a rare break in the steady, often frustrating flow, ace lensman Daniel Russo—who’s been documenting the Vans team this busy Triple Crown Season—slipped on his flippahs and dove in for a drift between Pipe and Off The Wall, connecting with Torrey Meister, Nathan Florence, Kyuss King, Nathan Strom, Jett Schilling (scroll through, above), as well as a small treasure trove of empty and/or scenic North Shore rollers (scroll below).

“Every morning on the North Shore is good, no matter what,” Russo says. “You just need to pick your own adventure and it’s always a good time!

One of the little secrets about the North Shore is that it always keeps you guessing. Conditions might be perfect, but tide maybe a little high, direction maybe a touch too north. But this was a productive morning to test the equipment and get a few images from the water. 

Nathan Florence was bouncing around, from Insanities to Off The Wall, like usual. Kyuss and Jett were out looking for a corner. It’s been fun having some groms on the team, wanting to surf 2ft-15ft all winter. 

It hasn’t been the most water-friendly winter for photography, but no one’s complaining.”

As the surf world tends to revel is pessimism, it’s delightful to see a photographer with a half glass full of wine! 

Mikey February enjoying a calm between storms.

Photography

Daniel Russo

“It’s been fun having some groms on the team [like young Jett Schilling here], wanting to surf 2ft-15ft all winter,” says Russo.

Photography

Daniel Russo

The North Shore spits, whether it’s chest high or double overhead.

Photography

Daniel Russo.

No takers. No makers.

Photography

Daniel Russo.

Palm trees and water spots like snowflakes.

Photography

Daniel Russo.

If your name was Kyuss King, would you wear a crown? Have golden hair. Grow your locks? Surf a lot?

Photography

Daniel Russo.