Unforgiving Surf

The forces of nature can be rough, relentless—and humbling. Yet for a surfer, a breaking wave can be a fully immersive, quasi-religious experience. Unforgiving Surf explores that extended moment when a surfer fuses with a wave and takes on a more iconic stature. Catching a big wave at the wrong moment can slam a surfer down into the blackest depths. But catching it at the right moment can lead to glory. Steve Dynie’s photographs capture surfers who are hanging on, just barely, to that glorious edge.