Although Tom Curren was at Snapper and Bells this year he remained an elusive presence. He'd appear in the corner of the carpark, paddle out alone and avoid fuss wherever possible. He is, as always, emphatically low-key yet remains an inspiration to surfers everywhere.

Not least of those is Karl Bromelow who took these shots near Bells Beach during the Rip Curl competition. When the comp was over Karl drove home to the Mornington Peninsula where it was quieter and he could surf alone. Afterward he sent me this message:

I actually managed a few hours in the surf myself this morning. It was a rare conjunction of the forces that dictate my existence. The missus was not at work, she felt like I deserved some time off entertaining the offspring, the weather was benign and there was a little left over swell with most of the holiday makers already on their way home. It wasn't exactly pumping but what the heck, in my mind I was Curren.

All photos by Karl Bromelow. //STUART NETTLE