Big wave surfing has sometimes been compared to bull riding. Training, scoring, lifestyle, injury and respect are all aspects shared by both sports. I decided to see for myself whether these similarities truly existed…

I packed up the car with photo gear and headed inland to Valley Center for a Wednesday night practice of the Southern California Youth Bull Riders (website). There I met Junior who told me a little about his organization. Its stated goal is to teach and promote bull riding and provide youth with an alternate sport. Sounds familiar! He then described how bull riding makes men out of boys through challenge, danger, failure, and success. There are no participation trophies for these young athletes. If you are the winner, you get a coveted belt buckle. I was already starting to see some similarities.

Over the next few hours, I watched as five dads assisted five young men still in their teens prepare for their rides on a series of mean looking bulls. The preparation is impressive. The boys are responsible for their own gear and spend time getting their bull rope and glove sufficiently tacky with just the right amount of rosin. They don protective vests, boots, and helmets. They limber up and then psych up for each ride. With instruction and encouragement, the gate is swung open and the adrenaline surges.

Out of the chute, the bulls waste no time kicking high, spinning, and trying to launch their rider. The boys work the shifting and lunging weight with their own countermoves while holding on with strong legs and one hand. Style and form go hand in hand.

When the bull wins a round, the frustration of the rider is palpable. These boys are competitive and wear it on their faces. Their rides are only seconds in duration and every move and countermove is critical. It must seem like an eternity until they get their next turn in the lineup.

When the rider wins, there’s high fives all around. Dads are proud, the coach is proud, and the rider stands a little straighter while stifling a huge smile because he knows he can always ride better.

So yeah, my experiment proved the pundits to be right. Bull riding is far, far away from the ocean, but the similarities to surfing are most certainly there. The effort, the anxiety, and the thrill are present in both sports. Watching boys strive to improve and conquer their challenges while under the watchful eye of their fathers is really the same whether its at the beach or in the ring. Hats off to this group!

Click here to see all the images from the practice: https://www.derekemgephotography.com/Sessions