Aaaw, surfing’s just a bit of fun, isn’t it? Inner-tube aerial hi-jinks, by the unshakeable Martin Paradisis, surfing at Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania.

Photo: Hilton Dawe

I’ve already told that Padang Padang has to be made from divine intervention. Made Switra, who represents the finest in competitive Bali surfing, defining grace under pressure, weaving his magic on a late-afternoon session at Padang Padang.

Photo: Patrick O’Leary

Exit strategy. There’s more where that one came from. Californian Brian Conley already heading for the next one. Somewhere in Mexico Wave Paradise.

Photo: Todd Glaser

Our charger, Who art in heaven, Shallow be thy game?? Cale Grigson prays to the God of Sick Joy at his favorite surf bungalows in Australia!

Photo: Russell Ord

Keali’i Mamala, a core Hawaiian surfer, eyes the future of his oft-invaded territory from behind the curtain at Backdoor Pipeline. The shooter comments:

“This cover shot was taken right before one of the contests. Tt’s pretty tricky swimming with a flash at that size because the water-housing is really large. I got caught by a few 2nd Reef cleanup sets. All of a sudden one swung wide and… Keali’i, who is Garret McNamara’s tow partner, dropped in with all the boys hooting, stalled, the wave heaved, and I took this photo, barely making it through. I’m sure he’s heard it a million times, but he looks like a young Buttons; his style and personality is just loaded with soul.”

Photo: Ben DeCamp

Then Mother Nature finally wakes up. After staying flat and windy for the big international contests this year, a few weeks later Pipeline went into epic mode. Echoing those backside poses of yesteryear (think Bustin Down the Door), Kahea Hart readies his rear foot during this year’s Da Huis Backdoor Shootout at Pipeline.

Photo: Sean Davey

While high performer Nathan Carroll prolongs his curtain call as much as he can, backstage, a shadowy figure exits through the tradesman’s entrance.

Photo: Russell Ord