An amazing confluence of events took place this past Wednesday. School was out in So Cal. It was the first day of summer. June Gloom gave way to sunny skies. A swell kissed our shores. And it all coincided with USA Surfing’s Championships at Lowers. And oh, what a day!!

Wednesday featured first round heats for the U12 girls, U14 boys, U16 girls, and U16 boys. These are the best surfers who have won throughout the season and received their invite to this elite event. From the first horn, they were putting on a show as only frothing little groms can!

From my standpoint, I could not have asked for a better set of sports models. Surf photography is a unique dance between the elements (light, clouds, sun), the ocean, and the talent level of the surfers. When they all come together at once, it is a photographer’s dream situation. So while these kids battled through their heats, trying to score high enough on two waves to beat out their competition and move on to the next heat, I was able to find a perfect spot on the cobbles and set up for these gorgeous pitcures.

While the effort was maximized on the waves, there is an undercurrent of tension on the beach as surfers count seconds between sets, determine where they are going to line up, and sizing up their next opponents, while trying to maintain an aura of chill. Their support teams (mom, dad and siblings) are also active parts of the scene.

On this beautiful first day of summer 2023, I clicked off nearly 4,000 images. The best of the best can be seen on my website under “sessions” here.