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1st place The Ocean Photographer of the Year

Ben Thouard French Polynesia

17°51'48.6"S 149°15'02.3"W

The moment a surfer gets wiped out and worked by the turbulence of one of the heaviest waves in the world. "This is the unseen part of surfing," says photographer Ben Thouard. "I have so much respect for both the wave and the surfers - surfing such a heavy wave is a huge challenge."

BEHIND THE LENS

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2022, BT

Ben Thouard France

ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • 6-foot swell
  • Mid-morning shoot
  • Taken while freediving
  • Site accessed by boat and then a swim

MORE IMAGES BY Ben Thouard