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Bethany has absolutely charged some of the planet’s heaviest slabs. She’s a regular in the punishing surf of Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore, taking on those thick, hollow barrels. She’s also tackled Teahupo’o in Tahiti, one of the world’s most powerful and dangerous waves. Charging these spots requires next-level wave knowledge, commitment, and guts—all things she has in spades. It proves her talent isn’t defined by an arm, but by her fearless heart and deep respect for the ocean’s raw power.

It’s all about craft and curation. Magazines invest in top surf photographers, giving them assignments and time to get that perfect, timeless shot. The printing process brings out insane detail and color you lose on a pixelated screen. Every image is carefully chosen to tell a story, not just to get quick clicks. Holding a double-page spread of a perfect barrel is an experience that a tiny Instagram square just can’t match. It’s pure, undiluted art.

First, learn the rules: don’t drop in, paddle wide of the peak, and don’t ditch your board. Watch and learn from experienced locals. Match your equipment to your skill level—no ripping on a giant foamie, but also no struggling on a tiny high-performance shred stick. Most importantly, be humble, apologize for mistakes, and focus on control over recklessness. It’s all about sharing stoke, not stealing waves.

It’s a mix of pure stoke and intense localism. This is a world-class wave, so you’ve got pros, frothing pilgrims, and dedicated locals all battling for set waves. Respect is everything. Don’t just paddle straight to the peak. Observe, wait your turn, and don’t snake anyone. The locals have put in their time and know this wave intimately. Show humility, don’t drop in, and you’re more likely to get the nod for a gem. It’s a heavy pecking order, but sharing a perfect runner with everyone hooting is pure magic.