Sacrificial Lamb

We recently sent long time bl!Sss mag correspondent Jason Kenworthy down to mainland Mexico to track down one of the most mysterious photographers on the planet, sacrificial lamb. It wasn’t hard for Kenworthy to find him, know- ing he would be in one of two places, either standing tall in a giant beach break barrel or sitting on the shoulder of a bomb shooting photos from his ski. Not only does he capture some of the best barrel shots around, he also manages to spend more time in the barrel than any photographer we know. Here is what Kenworthy was able to get out of him.

Q: These photos are amazing, but are you a better tube rider or photographer?

A: Definitely know how to tube ride better than I know how to use a camera, hahaha!

Q: Who have you learned the most about photography and the industry from?

A: Definitely Jason “Don Worthio” Kenworthy, a master at his craft and he can kinda play Ping-Pong… kinda.

Q: Who’s the Sea Wolf and is he the most tubed human alive?

A: Greg Russ, and yes, Sea Wolf is the most barreled man on the planet.

Q: Tell me about the wave? Is it user friendly?

A: It’s a pounding beach break and can be user friendly from time-to-time. Usually, it’s very demanding and can be unforgiving. Boards don’t last very long and serious injury is always a concern.

Q: What kinda people come down there and succeed? Who comes down and crumbles?

A: All walks of life show up here, definitely an international surf destination, cheap for the most part if you’re willing to rough it. Limited as far as girlfriend, wife, friendly accommodations but there are a few if you ask around. Without someone to change their diapers, spineless jellyfish or crybabies will not last.

Q: Tell me about Brian Conley and the movies you guys made together? What’s he up to now?

A: He pretty much started to POV thing. Conley kills it barrel riding, spearfishing and fishing. He’s always improving his program and keeps the ball rolling. I had fun and learned some cool and useful surf photography techniques helping him on some of his movies. Conley is for sure one the reasons the POV movement is where it’s at today, he mastered it and motivated everyone who’d ever seen his movies - clips to follow and learn from his expertise. GoPro doesn’t sponsor him, WTF?

Q: Tell us about some of the injuries you and the crew have gotten while surfing.

A: We’ve all been bruised and banged up pretty good over the years down here. From broken legs, necks, shoulders, lacerations, punctures and knockout blows to the head, blown out knees and separated ribs are all on the list of injuries shared by myself and my friends down here. As with every consistent heavy wave, you are always gonna get beat downs.

“I watched Jamie O’Brien pack a proper 10-foot pit going switch on a left, that was impressive.”

Q: Is life on land more dangerous than in the water? Why?

A: Depending on the swell and your talent level, life can be more dangerous on land than in the water. Usually more dangerous on land but if you don’t know what you’re doing in the water you can get smoked.

Q: You guys are hardcore, what made you drop everything and move there?

A: Living outside the US is challenging sometimes but having consistent warm water barrels makes it all worth it.

Q: Who are the top three surfers ever down there?

A: Sea Wolf, Conley, Todd Morcom and Bruce Irons. I saw Josh Kerr put on a clinic one time down here, pretty impressive.

Q: What is the best tube you have ever seen down there?

A: I watched Jamie O’Brien pack a proper 10-foot pit going switch on a left, that was impressive. I’ve witnessed so many barrels I couldn’t say which one is the best ever, but a few stick out in my mind.

Q: Must be nice living there, it’s so cheap to live, right?

A: Some things are cheap compared to the US and others are more expensive, it kind of balances out. It also depends on your living situation. Housing is definitely cheaper on average than most of the US.

Q: What do your fellow countryman think about the wall?

A: Waste of time and money.