A LIMERICK-born photographer is making serious waves in the global surfing scene.
David Olsthoorn’s photos have made the cover of some of the most high-profile surf magazines in the world, including the UK’s Wavelength, the Eastern Surf Magazine in the US and Irish surf publication, Tonnta.
The 21-year-old, who spent the first five years of his life in Caherline in East Limerick, became fascinated by the sea when his family moved to West Clare.
“I went to Spanish Point secondary school where the Atlantic was just metres away. I started surfing at 12 and began messing around with a camera at 15. It’s the perfect combination of my two loves – photography and surfing,” he said.
David, who has photographed the 12-metre ‘Aileen’s Wave’ off the Cliffs of Moher several times, is acutely aware of the powers of the sea.
“I was shooting one day in the water when I was literally pinned to the rock by the force of a wave. It can be scary but also unbelievably exhilarating,” he said.
The former surf instructor, who is also an accomplished wedding photographer, said the Irish surf scene is now famous around the world.
“Our waves are so unique and there is so much talent and passion amongst Irish surfers. You have guys coming from Hawaii and the other parts of the US to surf here. They complain that it’s cold but I say try putting on a frozen wetsuit first thing on a cold December morning!,”
For more information see www.DavidOlsthoorn.net
