3rd Annual A.R. Gurrey Jr. Surf Photography Competition Results

This competition carries the name of A. R. Gurrey, Jr. (1874 – c.1927). He was the first person to photograph surfers in the early 20th century. A pioneer in water photography, he used boats and canoes to get closer to the action. He was also a surfer himself, so knew how and where to capture surf riders gliding across Waikiki’s waves.

Photo of Duke Kahanamoku c.1909-1910 by A.R.Gurrey Jr.

“A. R. Gurrey Jr. can really be considered the father of surf photography.”

~Joel T. Smith, author of The Illustrated Atlas of Surfing History

In an effort to encourage creative and marketable skills related to photography, the California Surf Museum invited local middle and high school students to participate by entering this competition with an original photograph to be reviewed by a panel of judges in one of six categories: Surf Action from the Land; Surf Action from the Water; Seascapes / Lineups; Portraits of Surfers; Boards, Equipment & Surf Cars; and, Environmental Awareness & Ocean Activism.

200 submissions were received from 140 students representing 7 different schools. Winners were selected by a committee of nine judges. Congratulations to the award winners!

Best of Show winner Apollo Vita Bennet shown with his winning photo.

Education Committee Judges
– Jim Kempton
– Alana Mack
– Kevin Mijares
– Guy Motil
– Kirk Van Wagoner
– Penny Mayercheck
– Peter McBride
– Guy Motil
– Lance Smith
– Megan Clements

Special Thanks

As a non-profit organization, we would like to give a special thanks to Kiwanis Oceanside Pacific, GoPro and to all the Competition Educators, Students, Donors, Sponsors, and Museum Staff for making this event possible. Justin Moodie, Meghan Floren, and Rick Cole; couldn’t have done it without you!

Surf Action from the Land

First Place: Tyler Fabian

Second Place: Aleira Frausto

Surf Action from the Water

First Place: Finn Behle

Second Place: Brandon Pollard

Seascapes / Lineups

First Place: Janine Taduran

Second Place: Lauren Chua

Portraits of Surfers

First Place: Angel Mejia

Second Place: Lawrence Johnson

Boards, Equipment & Surf Cars

First Place: Jacob Camarillo

Second Place: Kimberly Hernandez

Environmental Awareness & Ocean Activism

First Place: Skylar Bohannon

Second Place: Codey Coffey

Honorable Mentions

Brandon Pollard

Lawrence Johnson

Benjamin Leasiolagi

Karen Galan

Finn Behle

Gabriela Onofre

Carly Silverstein

Atticus Williams

Elliot Haney

Surf Action from the Land

Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the movement of the sport as it is happening. Successful images in this category will display dynamic action and will likely showcase the athletes on the ocean. Creativity is encouraged, and there are many traditional approaches to the practice of shooting action surf photos, however submissions in this category must be taken from a vantage point on land or out of the water.

Surf Action from the Water

Seascapes / Lineups

Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the beauty or intrigue of the ocean itself. Great seascapes and lineup photographs are usually a matter of advanced planning, weather prediction, and possibly getting on the road an hour or two before sunrise – or just blind luck. It’s the classic search for the perfect wave, a surf lifestyle tradition.

Portraits Of Surfers

Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the people who surf. Who are these people? What are their stories? Friends, families, the employee who runs the local surf shop, even famous surfers are perfect subjects for this project.

Boards, Equipment, and Surf Cars

Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the tools and objects associated with the sport. Even cars play a big role in the culture of surf. As the primary focal point of the museum’s exhibits and collections, surfboards are an important reason for the museum’s existence. How can you use light, angles, and composition to showcase these items in a manner that draws attention and celebrates their style and function? Consider approaching these subjects with a more creative or artistic approach.

Environmental Awareness and Ocean Activism

Submit a photograph in this category if your image focuses on the importance of the ocean or coastal ecosystem and the negative effects of the global climate crisis. Related photos might include images of the misuse of surf spots, or of activists and the positive actions they are taking to protect our shores.