Watch: The Making Of THAT Michel Bourez Tube Shot

In this “Chasing the Shot” feature, 17-year-old surf photographer Leroy Bellet brings us through the extensive process of nailing his Michel Bourez tube shot, which many have called the best surf image ever captured. 

For those who’ve lived under Sharia Law for the past two months, it looked like this: 

In an exclusive interview with Stab, which aired two days after this shot made its grand appearance on Instagram, Leroy revealed the following about his Tahitian experience:

“Chopes is so sharp and shallow. When I was surfing on the days leading up to the swell, I was like, ‘This could end up bad.’ I thought I might only have one wave and I’d get sliced up and that would be it. Luckily we got four chances.”

Michel Bourez’s wave, which would come to grace the cover of Surfing World magazine, was Leroy’s last of the day. Like all the waves he’d ridden at Teahupo’o, this one resulted in a fall and brutal thrashing, but that didn’t bother Leroy. What bothered him was losing control of the camera and not being able to locate it upon his ascent. 

“Look for the camera!” he screamed to every available ski. 

You’ll have to watch the video to find out what happens next.