Tim Bonython is as engrained in documenting modern big wave surfing as any other filmmaker today. Spot a purple blob forming over any ocean and it’s a safe bet the award-winning filmmaker is tracking the same action, plotting a move to get there with his camera in tow. Shippies, Teahupo’o, Nazaré, you name it.
One thing that sets him apart is that while many filmmakers only dabble in the big wave game, Bonython is on a list of lensmen who focus primarily in that XXL realm. In that respect, most high-profile filmmakers are only going to make the occasional trip to a place like Mullaghmore. And those missions are only going to be for swells that are sure things. Bonython, however, just crossed off his second mission to the small Irish town and its not-so-small wave.
During the trip, a few chargers took the 25-minute ride out to a lesser-known slab called Prowlers. It’s “a good few” kilometers out to sea and the closest points to land aren’t easily accessible, which makes both the spot check and packing your gear a roll of the dice. Barry Mottershead packed a 10’3″ and a 6’0″ for the day, for example.
“There are so many waves like this that’ll never be crowded because you need skis to get out there. It would take you hours and hours and hours to paddle out,” Taz Knight tells him.
Mottershead went with the 10’3″ once they got out there, by the way.
“All up Ireland is a gorgeous place to document, just add some incredible waves and this is what you get,” Bonython says.
