The brief for the Water category was as follows:
Shooting from the water truly is one of the most challenging and rewarding disciplines in photography. There’s nowhere to hide and no bluffing it when you’re out amongst it, housing in hand. It’s pretty simple; we’re looking for the best shot taken from within the ocean itself.
The Winner – Presented by Corona
A massive congratulations to Ben Thouard whose image ‘Standing Tall’ was voted by the public as the winning image, and has just earned him a tidy $1000.00
"This is Francisco Porcella at Teahupo'o. That morning at Teahupo'o was unreal! Small but really west and glassy as hell. It had not been raining for quite a long time and the water could not be more clear. It was some rare conditions. Even thought water is always clear in Tahiti that day was next level. With the water being so clear and the ocean being so glassy, I couldn't resist and spent the whole morning shooting underwater.
I came out with a bunch of amazing pictures form that morning. This one of Francisco probably describes best how good the conditions were." – Ben Thouard
First Runner Up – See Trough by Russell Ord
Second Runner Up – Rasta Flying by Woody Gooch
Third Runner Up – Where To Land? by Tom Pearsall
Fourth Runner Up – Clay’s Glass Ceiling by Mike Riley
To see all the winners and more printed in high-resolution make sure you pick up Tracks #553 on-sale 19th September!
A massive thanks to Corona for all their support, without which, none of this would’ve been possible.
A huge shout-out to all who entered and voted! See you all next year!