More than once I've rocked up to Snapper and made the mistake of seeing a fella with a sharp style and shiny devon head flying down the line and thought it was Kelly Slater. And each time I've paddled out and been surprised - and a wee bit disappointed, I'll admit - to find out it was Shaun Gossman. 

It's no slight on Gossman to say I was let down. I mean, hey, if you're gonna get mistaken for anyone, who would you pick?

Gossman is an ex-South African who made the rocks at Snapper his home about ten years back. He knows the wave as well as anyone and has got into the Quiksilver Pro, by way of winning or placing in the trials, three times.

During a recent swell Shayne Nienaber caught him at the other end of the Gold Coast where he was looking equally at home. //STUART NETTLE

To see more of Shayne's photos visit his website