The biggest Billabong XXL ever?
There is no doubt this has been one of the best surf seasons in decades, but in the short history of the Billabong XXL I would have to say this is THE best season for judging big waves. I can’t wait to see some of the finalists! Every year the Billbong XXL has a panel [...]
Go Pro and Let it Snow!
Here’s a few shots from my first run today at Mammoth. I’m using the new HD Go Pro helmet cam (set to shoot an image every two seconds). I also shot some video which I will edit and post later. The conditions were good, but it will be even better as snow storms are predicted [...]
Big Wednesday – Waimea Bay
I think everyone knows I love me some Waimea Bay! Today looks to be pretty good over there and I am really missing it right about now. I tried to see it on the surfline cam and it is too busy- drats. I tried to call Sean Davey for a report and he didn’t answer [...]
Surf Contest at Swamis?
I just got this email and wanted to pass along the link to those of you that may be interested. Here is the explanation from the website calling for a petition: It has come to our attention that a professional womens longboard contest is being proposed for Swamis. We think it is a bad idea, [...]
Winter Season kicks off with a bang!
Words and Photo by assistant, Jobi Manson It’s a regular thursday in mid-October. Dave had told me the night before that there maybe was surf on the horizon… I shrugged my head and said, “Ha, yeah I’ll believe that S@#$ when I see it.” The night before the first big swell of the season is [...]
ASP Hurley Pro
Photo and words by photo assistant Jobi Manson 3:45 am the alarm goes… I leave my apartment in West Hollywood to venture slightly farther south to Lower Trestles, to witness the only ASP event located in the continental United States. I met my friend John at Carl’s Jr. where we proceeded to make the journey [...]
Malibu Surfing Association Contest
The Malibu Surfing Association held it’s annual contest this past weekend with team MSA retaining the classic crown. The WindanSea surf club, the Santa Barbara Surf Club and the Ventura Surf Club placed behind the Malibu Surfing Association respectively. Surfing families from up and down the California coast and beyond (i.e. Australia and Hawaii) made [...]
80′s Party goin Local!
Written by contributor and talented photo assistant Jobi Manson Just to set the tone: The super 80′s party was held at “The Local” in the gaslight district of downtown, San Diego. Ya with me? So we rock up to the scene early by 2 hours…After having only stepped foot in this vintage gem of a [...]
Grandpa Chris back in Hollywood
You may remember Grandpa’s story. The short version is that he was living in Bali and got into a motorcycle accident. His jaw was broken. His shoulder had torn ligaments. His elbow bone was poking through his skin. Oh yeah, and he lost some teeth! Here he is nearly 4 months since the crash and the [...]
Dusty Peak R.I.P.
Yesterday I loaded up the family and headed to the beach for Dusty Peak’s paddle out. I was so looking forward to going to the beach and getting out of the heat and smoke from the fires. When we got down to Little Dume the place was like a big party. There were people everywhere laughing; [...]
July 4th remnants
There are remnants on the streets near my house where the battle went down last night. Bombs were bursting in air. Now burnt paper litters the gutters. I had planned to get out of town for the holiday, but got stuck in the last place I wanted to be on the fourth of July – [...]
William Eggelston
I saw this video on one of my favorite blog sites called aphotoeditor.com. This is Winston Eggelston talking about his Father the famous photographer William Eggelston who is one of my all time favorites. Just look at some of these images! They are absolute genius. It is truly inspiring to see how Eggelston frames his [...]
South Swell approaches
It looks like our first south swell will be visiting this weekend and it is predicted to be at least head high. Here’s one of your options – Malibu! Just don’t expect it to be a solo session! ha ha. Wherever your south swell spot is, check it out starting Saturday (probably more like Sunday/Monday). [...]
Where’s the massive swell?
I think we got downgraded. I feel like I had a first class ticket and got stuck in coach. Where is the swell? Usually it is a good sign when Waimea breaks over in Hawaii, but this time it looks like the macking sets got lost on their way to California. Oh well, it is [...]
Ventura’s C street is fun!
When I cruised through the mountains this morning on the way to ‘C’ street, it was so clear you could see halfway to Morro Bay! It was a beautiful day and perfect lighting was met with fun surf. While it was on the inconsistent side and a few surfers got out of the water claiming [...]
El Porto gallery loaded
The El Porto gallery from January 7, 2009 is up and running and fully loaded. This photo is one of over 400 from the session. The waves were good and there was some ripping going on in the cold water! Check them out and see if I caught you making a solid turn like this [...]
Snow, TSA, Books…
Welcome home from Hawaii. It’s snowing. C’mon. Are you kidding? Snow? Really? Yes, snow. Right behind my house in the mountains. So close I could drive half an hour and touch it. I am freezing my ass off. I talked to a friend who is driving to Colorado to go snowboarding and got stuck in [...]
Happy Birthday!
Sixty and still going strong…Dr.Robert Johr is not afraid to admit his age and why should he? He is in great shape and surfs Malibu like a champion! Every year he makes the trip from his home in Florida to surf his favorite wave- Malibu. Today I was lucky enough to shoot him with all [...]
Sunset Beach, California
The truth is that I never planned on shooting Sunset Beach today, but I was just too late getting out the door to make it down to Newport with a few of my friends. They reported head high sets with overhead waves and lots of closeouts with the odd hollow corner for a head dip. [...]
Photoshelter Collection
I know a lot of photographers (whether aspiring or full time pros) read my blog and I try to mix in some things that have helped me along the way. One of them is Photoshelter. I am a big fan. In fact the sickshots site is built with the Photoshelter Archive. There is also [...]
Sorry, I missed your email…
Hey, I just found out that my contact form wasn’t working! Bummer. If you sent me an email through the form then I probably did not receive it and you should try my address directly info (at) sickshots (dot) com. Why do I write it like that? Because there are actually programs that pick up [...]
Save Trestles…Again!
MEETING HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED!!! This is a public service announcement I received from Surfrider Foundation. The hearing to Save Trestles again will be held tomorrow July 25, 2008 from 10:30am to 8:30pm at UC Irvine, Bren Events Center (directions here). If you wish to speak you are encouraged to be early (before 8am). [...]
Sunset Beach, California
Sunset Beach California is a long way from Padang Padang where I shot my last session, but the stoke is the same. Lots of you were getting some fun waves and having a blast. Remember the ‘best’ surfer in the water is the one having the most fun! After looking at Malibu at dawn and [...]
