Jupiter Florida has produced some of the top SUP racers and surfers in the country. They are home to Ryan Helm, Izzi Gomez and Giorgio Gomez. And chasin right behind them are top racers like 24 year old Matt Arensman. Matt was born in Cali but now calls the East Coast his home. Riding for Boga, Matt trains daily and I have photographed him SUP surfing Atlantic waves and racing inland waterways. Matt is the one to catch at Tuesday night Race League and I wanted a different perspective from the usual dock, water or land. I knew he would be the lead and I would most likely be able to get a shot of him alone if I stood atop US1 bridge. Sure enough he came into view and I captured these images of him before he disappeared underneath.
I've been called the manatee whisperer because these gentle giants tend to gravitate to me whenever I paddle . . . winter . . . spring and summer. I strongly advocate for people to be cautious when boating as they are constantly run over by boaters. The manatee are a protected species and while gentle, they can get riled up when spooked and need to be given their space. This particular photography was taken early morning and I was the only one on the water. In the quiet calm they swam with me and all around me. There were three in this family and the largest one (seen here) gently swam under my board, taking the lead. Of course I followed for about five minutes before they left me and swam away.
On a photoshoot in Puerto Rico with Watersedge SUP, after shooting all morning at Wilderness, we changed up from the surf shoot to get lifestyle shots. Nydia Del Mar Rafols, along with her son and fiance Jack Suave were all in for the shoot. The weather and lighting were outstanding. . . throw in the dalmation dog and we've got a golden shoot.
More about me, my photos, check out chasinadreamphotography.com
Lori Griffith