Stunning snaps do Right thing

Four images from the world-famous surf break The Right near Walpole are in the running to win the Nikon Surf Photo of the Year Award, announced by Surfing Australia last week.

Margaret River-based photographer Ren McGann has two shots among the 23 entries, while Jamie Scott, also from Margaret River, has two images named as finalists.

All four pictures were taken at The Right, known as one of the heaviest waves in the world.

It is situated between Denmark and Walpole on the south coast.

McGann has been a regular visitor to the deep waters of The Right and said his two entries were from the same day last year, which was one of the best he had ever experienced.

“I totally forgot I had submitted them for the competition,” McGann said.

“Both shots were from the same day — it was the best day of the year there.

“It’s always good down there.

“I did five or six trips last year, but that day was mental.

“It stands out from the rest.”

One of McGann’s entries shows big wave surfer Dan Corbett in free fall off a huge wall of water.

McGann recalled the moment Corbett had done nothing wrong but was simply victim to the nature of the break.

“The amount of water that sucks up that face is incredible,” he said.

“Dan was pretty good afterwards considering. He had a pretty rattled head from it and jumped on the ski for a bit.

“The second wave which is an entry was later that day, so he got back in the water.”

McGann has been a surf photographer for five years and said the wave had a special place in his heart.

“My relationship with it has changed over time,” he said.

“Now it’s a good, peaceful experience to get out in nature and have these couple of days heading out there. It’s something you can’t really describe — it’s very surreal.

“I’ve never entered anything before, and I spend even more time editing.”

McGann’s two entries are called Free Fall and The Right, while Scott’s two images are named I Can’t Hear You and In The Thick of It. The winners were set to be announced at the Australian Surfing Awards tomorrow night, which has been postponed.