A SCUBA diver swims through a giant kelp forest which is tilted back by strong ocean currents. Giant kelp, the fastest plant on Earth, reaches from the rocky bottom to the ocean's surface like a submarine forest.
Species: Giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera
Location: San Clemente Island, California
Image ID: 01107
2006 Mavericks surf contest champion Grant Twiggy Baker of South Africa. Final round, Mavericks surf contest, February 7, 2006.
Location: Mavericks, Half Moon Bay, California
Image ID: 15299
A freediving spearfisherman glides quietly through the kelp forest in search of game fish to hunt. The most skilled spearfishermen forego the use of SCUBA, which is noisy underwater and scares away fish. Instead, they practice breathhold techniques to move silently through the water. San Clemente Island.
Location: San Clemente Island, California
Image ID: 10235
El Secreto del Vicki cavern. Vicki's Secret, a huge underwater cave on the southwest side of Guadalupe Island, few if any other SCUBA divers have seen this cave much less know of its existence. Shown here is Vicki Beaver one of the first divers ever to explore the cave.
Location: Guadalupe Island (Isla Guadalupe), Baja California, Mexico
Image ID: 06191
Surf check. Three guys check the surf from atop a bluff overlooking the waves at the end of the day, at sunset, north of South Carlsbad State Beach.
Location: Carlsbad, California
Image ID: 19808