Behind the Dream Shot: Josh Bystrom

I got a text from Benji Brand saying “You see this?! Dream shot!! Wow”

I was lucky enough to connect with photographer Josh Bystrom last week at Backdoor.  There is a story to this that SWELLNET.COM published.  It’s pretty cool because I pulled into this barrel and saw this lone photographer in the right place at the right time.  This was one of the big days at Pipeline/Backdoor so no other photographer was brave enough to swim and wait in the scariest spot you need to get a photo like this.  You almost have to be crazy.  Yes, the photos from the beach are good, but nothing compares to being in a huge barrel like this together.  Of the hundreds of water shots I’ve gotten at Backdoor throughout the past 40 years, this has to be one of my best.  Dream shot for sure!

*CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY ON SWELLNET.COM.

February 25, 2025 Hawaii Surf Report

Yesterday once more:  Blue Hawaii…

Good morning 4:15am.
North shore 4-6′.
Ala Moana waist high.
Diamond Head chest high.
Light North winds at 10mph.
Sunny and cool day.
Going to the sea.
Have a wonderful day!

Round 1: Empty Bowl

Early morning @ Ala Moana Bowls with Watari-san!  Welcome to Hawaii for the first time!

Clean conditions, nice waves, and great surfing!  Full rail bottom turn.

Going off the lip!

At one point, it was just us.  Nobody out and riding every wave that came.  A wonderful morning and fun surfing.