It’s difficult to describe the feeling of surfing. Looking at photos and video of a surfer off in the distance, though often interesting, can only paint a limited picture of what the individual surfer is feeling or  experiencing at that given moment. Facial expressions, body language, the location, and the shape or size of the wave all help point the viewer in the right direction, but even these only scratch the surface. Conveying more than just a tiny fraction of the internal elements that the surfer is feeling at that moment is near impossible.

Fortunately, the amazing GoPro® Helmet HERO™ Wide Camera can bring viewers one step closer to feeling what it’s like to really be in the moment of a wave and get a surfer’s perspective. While I was in Australia recently, I attempted to get some footage that would do just that by wearing the camera on my chest and surfing the Superbank. In the video below you get to see my perspective of just one wave ridden at Kirra. One wave ridden for 45 seconds into the blinding, gold light of a Coolangatta sunset. Although you may be able to get a little closer to my experience, you will unfortunately still miss the majority of the things I felt on that wave. The burning in my legs and the pumping of my heart at it’s maximum velocity, after having raced the wave for 300 yards, will not be felt. Sadly you will be oblivious to the meditative high associated with not thinking consciously for 45 seconds as I let my subconscious mind and body work in unison as I go from point A to point B. But you will get to see the wave through my eyes.

Of course, the only real way to experience the feeling in its entirty is to do it yourself. So, if you really want to feel all of the elements, then I suggest booking a ticket to the Gold Coast and packing a surfboard. But until then just replay this video and use your good old imagination.

[Note: The quality of this footage is lower than normal because I was messing with some settings since the sun was so bright. Normal Go Pro footage is amazing in quality. I'll have more footage up soon that will be much better.]