El Nino's fury helped turn K2's visionary concept into a spectacular reality early this year as the Inaugural K2 Big Wave Challenge finished up, with all Surfers making it back to the beach. The idea was simple. During the time span from mid November until mid March, whoever could find and ride the biggest wave would take the US$50,000 prize money offered by the leading Snowboard Company.

The evidence being a photograph of the wave to guage it's true size (videos were used as back up proof that the wave was paddled into rather than towed), with it's photographer winning US$5000 . Judged by Big Wave riders,Surf Mag editors and Photographers the arena narrowed down to two Surf Spots- Mavericks and Todos Santos. Some of the biggest waves ever attempted ,let alone successfully ridden without falling off (that was the other rule)were set to stun the Surfing community. 26 yr old Taylor Knox from Carlsbad,CA took the wave and the money with a huge wave at Todos Santos(an island off Ensenada,Mexico) captured on film by Les Walker,staffer from Surfing Magazine. K2 ( who recently purchased the venerable surf short company 'Katin') and all Surfers,Rescue Team,Judges and Photographers are to be congratulated for showing the world a side of our Sport that must rank among the greatest of any sporting spectacle, and one in which faith in some higher Protection must surely have been reckoned into each Surfer's preparation, along with equipment and breathing control exercises.

PICTURE TAKEN BY LES WALKER

EXCLUSIVE INSIDESURFIN INTERVIEW WITH LES WALKER

INSIDE SURFIN: Congratulations Les! You must be stoked. Did you think you were in with a good chance?

LES WALKER: I never thought I would even be in the running for the winning photo. Because I thought the winning wave would be from Mav's up in Northern Cal. I did not even think Todos could get that big!

IS: Was the winning shot your best one, or only of the biggest wave?

LW: Both.. It showed how big the wave really was. My angle was not the best for the most dramtic look, but it show size. As for the other photos, they were all good, but from the wrong angle to really show how big the wave is.

IS: Did the Surfers involved get in touch with the photographers to see how they looked? There was a rumour on Australian TV that some photographers were threatening to not release the pics unless the Surfers came up with some money out of the prize?

LW: Sure, Surfers stayed in touch with me. Taylor Knox and I only talked a few times after that day, just to see if we were still in the lead. As for asking Taylor for any of his share of his money, I would not or even think about it. What he did was amazing and worth every penny. I have made about half of what Taylor has, because of the wide distribution of my photo to Mags around the world..

IS: Have you done a lot of photography/surf photography before? What film/equipment did you use? Was it the right set up? Have you had any pics used in Surf mags before? LW: Yea, I have been shooting Surf for about 10 years. I surf myself also.I am currently a staff photographer for Surfing Magazine,and have had plenty of photos ran in mags from Japan, Brazil, Spain,Australia. I am on staff with 3 other international Surf Mags..So I have been around a while.

IS: Has this contest opened any doors for you?

LW: Well the Surf industry is pretty small,everbody all ready knew who I was, I have done plenty of photo trips with clothing companies, As for opening any doors, it has brought my name to a national level, with my Phobeing seen in Time Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, New York Times, La Times..Just lots of places..I have had a few calls from companies out side of the surf industry to shoot their products with a Surf feel to them.This event has help me in that way!

IS: Do you think the K2 Concept was the future of this type of contest? It looks very dangerous and I guess everyone was relieved that it went off without loss of life. Were the Surfers taking the Contest seriously, or was there a lot of foolish bravado? Did you talk to any of the competitors before or after the contest about their feelings? Did you think the money the main reason they risked their lives?

LW: There was never any foolish Bravado out there. Most people do not realize that most of these surfers are out there surfing these waves when there are no cameras around. All these guys just do it for the fun.. As for the Money, it was never in question. The guys are just out there doing what they love, and if they get the one wave.. good on them...Also when I shoot big waves like this I always have a jet ski rescue crew with me so if there is a problem they can get to the surfer fast.. Luckily we have never had to use them!

IS: Are there going to be any posters/books coming out? Where/when?

LW: K2 will have posters and there is an hour special on TV about this event. My photo is also going to be on the cover of the next Surfing Mag.

IS: Great! Do you have any Projects coming up in the future?

LW: Right now, I am just working on getting good shots of surfers for their sponsors and Surfing Mag. I am always shooting, so as far as projects go I am always on it, and always looking to get the best image possible...

IS: Are there any questions you would like me to ask that I've overlooked? Anyone who should be given credit for advice etc?

LW: Well I want to thank you for your interest, You have stoked me out. I would like to thank my magazine Surfing, and my photo editor Larry Moore for having faith in me. And Also the most important person in my life, my wife Cheri, because she has always been behind me in a career that does not always pay the bills..Thanks

IS: It's been a pleasure Les, and we all look foreward to seeing more of your shots. Thanks mate.

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