UNSEEN VISIONS OF KELLY
“The first time I shot with Kelly Slater, we met up and scored absolutely firing waves,” says Timo Jarvinen. “Not a bad way to start a friendship.”
True. That’s a good starting point for anything, especially a friendship. In fact, a lot of us have met our closest friends in firing lineups both near and far. One good wave is all it takes for the face of an absolute stranger to take its first steps towards morphing into the familiar face of a lifelong friend.
So Kelly and Timo’s friendship started with a session in firing waves, but that’s certainly not where it ended. Timo has shot with Kelly all over the world in the 15-or-so years that they’ve known each other. They’re a good match for each other — Timo being one of the greatest surf photographers in the game and Kelly being, well, Kelly. Their friendship has produced smiles, laughter, good times and, of course, so many amazing images.
As for some of the best moments they’ve shared?
“The most memorable session had to be at The Cave in Portugal in 2014. The waves were super heavy and Kelly surfed for about an hour and a half by himself before anybody else even showed up. He was completely untouchable out there — so confident and just perfect. He must have got about 40 waves that session, which is insane for a spot like that.”
These pages are full of photos Timo shot of Kelly, including some from that session. They serve as proof that good things come when friendships are born in waves.
Photography: Timo Jarvinen
Extract from Salt Water Volume 2
Shot over consecutive mornings during the long, recent run of North Coast autumn swell, In the Family of Things is Dave Rastovich in his element, doing his thing.