Water sports

This image brings back fond memories of when I sailed a boat from Europe to the Pacific Islands. This is the view you have on most days, open seas, hard light and vastness. One of the big draws of ocean sailing is the peacefulness of days like this one. This is a very simple shot which is reliant on interesting sea and sky formations to make the eye flow around the image. In this instance, the sky was not strong enough to make it into the commended list. But still a great image, which brings back my days on the sea.

What a great moment. You can really feel the power of the ocean and the lighting is fantastic.

The photographer is showing a mastery of his craft and subject. Great prediction of the moment to get this angle and the post processing is very nice.

Even though there are some technical issues with this image (very high ISO causing artefacts and colour fringing). This has actually benefitted the image in the sense that it has reduced the amount of information in the detail, introduced new tonality and texture. The sky looks like it was painted on a canvas and the sea is like Turners earlier depictions of stormy seas.

The extremes of the conditions on the photographer/camera have brought about some interesting results.

Composition, moment, technical excellence. An outstanding image beautifully executed.

A good choice of shutter speed, the water has created lovely texture and frozen the majority of the scene. Sympathetic post processing - nice and punchy contrast but not over cooking it.

A very well deserved winner. Lovely work, well done!

This image really touched my senses. I can feel the salty air, coolness in the wind and satisfaction conveyed by the surfers as they head down the beach.

A good composition, nice flow of the eye. Great tonality, muted colours. Great Job.

This is a perfectly timed capture, I like the composition and it is very well executed. But I think it was the palette and beautiful exposure that stood it above the other action surf shots.

The subject is great, you can see the determination/effort. There are no distractions in the background. I like the angle to the sun. This could be an advertising shot for a global brand. Well done.

One of the best observations in the competition. This could have so easily been missed. Such a subtle image, you can really feel the moment.

An excellent crop, the eye keeps moving but then you are drawn to the girl on the far left, who then throws you back into the image.