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Les Walker
 Photographers
Surfing has always been more than just a sport for Les Walker.
Surfing is a way of life that embodies the essence of independence, freedom and delivers a rush like none other. Today, surfing is more popular than ever, thanks in part to the images captured by photographers like Walker and printed in surf magazines around the world. The 31 year-old Balboa Island resident, who started surfing at the age of 14 wanted, in some way, to give back to the culture that has affected and given him so much. So, eight years ago Walker started shooting the waves and the men and women who rode them. In addition, to capture another dimension of the surfing culture, Walker also photographs fashion that is related to the surf world. Today, Walker is the Senior Photographer of SURFING MAGAZINE, . He also shoots for several other international surfing magazines, plus mainstream sports magazine "Sports Illustrated for Kids." Walker won the K2 Big Wave Challenge, first-ever professional surfing contest to reward the photographer as well as the surfer. The award-winning photo was of Taylor Knox riding a 60 foot wave. In addition to a cash prize, Walker is now considered by many to be one of surfing's elite photographers. Judges for the event included Sean Collins of Surfline/Wavetrak; Jeff Devine and Steve Hawk of Surfer Magazine; Larry Moore and Nick Carroll of Surfing Magazine as well as several big wave surfers. "What made the picture stand out is the awesome display of nature and how one man is attempting to harness it, if just for a moment," said Walker of his winning photograph. "I am really excited and flattered to be honored by people who have made surfing a part of their life for so long. Walker has also developed a website devoted to surfing and his interpretation of the lifestyle as seen through his photographs. You can email him at
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