Simon Hetrick Soaked In The Sunset Dragon’s Breath

As previously noted, yesterday’s Newmibia session was a special moment in Garden State surfing. This was a 12-hour tube fest that finished in storybook fashion, with a sunset more colorful than an industrial pack of Crayolas.Mi

Everybody wanted a wave with the golden flare… until they realized how damn hard it was to see. Throughout the span of the sunset (roughly 20 minutes), I watched surfer after surfer fight their way over the ledge, take the drop, and catch a rail in the flats. Those colors were intoxicating, yes, but also completely blinding.

Then came Simon Hetrick. Paddling feverishly toward the shore, Simon chipped into this dragon-breath left and disappeared from my view on the shoulder. As the wave churned down the line, offshore winds kicked spray out the back and showered us, the envious spectators, in electric pink plumes. I had no idea if Simon made the wave, but that moment was truly ethereal.

Then we received the above frame from photographer Connor Halpin. Never, in all my years, have I seen such a gorgeously illuminated capture. This photo further cements the surreal ness of the day, and also the great talent that is Maryland’s Simon Hetrick. Because despite his seamless line, I can assure you Simon couldn’t see shit.