Welcome to socalaquashots, where a deep love for the ocean meets the art of photography.

I’m Gwendal, surfer, photographer, and marine professional. For over 25 years, I’ve been immersed in the worlds of surfing, marine conservation, and fisheries policy. The ocean has always been a constant; a place of connection, inspiration, and grounding. It’s a way of life, and it’s also what shapes every photo you’ll find here.

Raised across the globe and shaped by coastal life in California, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, and the UK, I’ve always found sanctuary in the ocean. My days often start before sunrise, managing translation and consulting projects that support sustainable ocean governance, the rest is spent in the water, surfing with a camera tucked into my wetsuit or boardshorts. I take most of my shots while I’m out there, paddling through the lineup or waiting for the next set, capturing what unfolds around me. It’s a simple, spontaneous way of creating, and it’s where this project began.

Each image starts with time in the ocean. I shoot whilst waiting for waves, admiring the weather and wildlife, or on the paddle back out. It’s unpredictable and often challenging, but that’s part of what makes it meaningful. After that comes the quieter work: reviewing shots, editing with care, designing products, and keeping the site up to date. It’s a slow, hands-on process that mirrors the rhythm of surfing itself: always changing, always teaching.

Beyond photography, I run Ocean Environment, a highly specialized consulting and translation business that works with NGOs and international bodies on fisheries, marine policy, and conservation. That perspective adds depth to how I see the ocean; not just as a photographer, but as someone who works every day to help protect it.

socalaquashots is my way of sharing what the ocean gives me, the stillness, the power, the beauty, and the wild moments in between. Whether you're a surfer holding onto a perfect session, a beach lover in search of ocean-inspired decor, or someone who simply finds peace in the sea, I hope these images speak to you.

I share a portion of all proceeds with coastal communities by helping local kids and donating to local causes, giving back to those that welcomed me with such amazing hospitality.

In the gallery, you’ll find ocean-inspired artwork from Southern California, Costa Rica, and Mexico. I offer premium wall art, jigsaw puzzles, and desk mats/mousepads for sale online, perfect for your home, office, or as a gift for the ocean lover in your life.

Thanks so much for being here. Whether you’re browsing, shopping, or just enjoying the view, I'm grateful to share these moments with you.

Let’s make waves together 🌊🌴

Find me on Instagram @socalaquashots

Note:

All artwork is sold exclusively online and fulfilled through US-based sources. While much of the imagery is inspired by time spent abroad, I do not sell or distribute my art locally.

Todas mis obras de arte se venden exclusivamente en línea y se gestionan a través de proveedores con sede en EE. UU. Si bien gran parte de las imágenes están inspiradas en el tiempo que pasé en el extranjero, no vendo ni distribuyo mi arte localmente.