Gerald Emmerich Jr, HonFPSA, GMPSA/P  

Flying Body Boarder by Gerald Emmerich Jr, HonFPSA, GMPSA/P

October 2026 - Flying Body Boarder

About the Image(s)

Title: Flying Body Boarder

This photo was taken many years ago at Sandy Beach on the east shore of Oahu, Hawaii. I have been going to Sandy Beach to photograph the body boarders at least once a year, usually in December or January. But I’ve only seen this action once. This guy was very athletic and daring. He ran down the slope of the beach just as a big wave crashed to the shore, and he hit the wave head-on so that the wave forced him straight up in the air, and then he did a back flip. He did this several times, and I was able to time my shot just right so that he’s at his peak. Here he’s looking down at his landing spot. I got lucky too, as his arching back and legs framed a body surfer in the background. It’s one of my favorite surfing shots, so I thought I’d show it.

Camera and lens: Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 100-400mm zoom at 400mm.
Settings: f/6.3 ISO 250 1/2500sec


4 comments posted

Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Gerald, timing is of essence and practice makes perfect. Both apply here for sure. Peak of action, framing the surfer in the background, and not blocking any other. The water splash all over adds impact. Sharp.   Posted: 10/02/2026 18:20:06
Ronald Davis   Ronald Davis
Hi Gerald. Agree with Isaac. Perfect timing great action photo and only taken when your out shooting the action on the beach. The blurred swimmers also adds to the photo, normally we say background distractions "bad", but in this case they enhance the vitality of of the subject. Water droplets great addition. I do think that the main subject is a little dark so I used the adjustment brush and reduced the darkness in the photo.   Posted: 10/15/2026 23:49:17
Comment Image
Gerald Emmerich Jr   Gerald Emmerich Jr
I think your brightening really helps. Thanks for the suggestion.   Posted: 10/15/2026 23:52:10
Ronald Davis   Ronald Davis
Gerald this is just a tack on suggestion, composition and story are still the same. If being judged in comp photography this is how some may see the photo. A get out criteria for why your photo is not as good as another entry.   Posted: 10/22/2026 09:38:31

 

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