As photographers, we’re often hired to document moments. Sometimes those moments are exciting, sometimes they’re historic, and every once in a while they’re deeply personal.
This week at Skudin Surf in Long Beach, I had the opportunity to photograph one of those unforgettable moments as Amy Schumer returned to the ocean with her son, Gene.
To anyone watching from the beach, it may have looked like a fun family surf session. But for Amy, this was something much bigger.
Thirty years ago, on this very same beach, a surfing accident nearly changed her life forever. After falling onto her surfboard, the fin severely cut her leg. She was alone in the water and had to pull the fin from her leg herself before screaming for help. A stranger on the beach called 911, and after 40 stitches placed in three layers by the team at Long Beach Hospital, she recovered physically. Emotionally, though, surfing became something she left behind.
Three decades later, she came back.
With encouragement from Whitewater Willy and the incredible instructors at Skudin Surf, Amy decided it was finally time to face that fear. More importantly, she wanted her son, Gene, to see that fear doesn’t have to write the ending of your story.
Throughout the session, Gene discovered his own love for surfing with help from Ryder McClure and the Skudin Surf team. Between waves there were hugs, smiles, laughter, and proud moments that couldn’t be scripted. Watching a mother and son experience something so meaningful together made the day about much more than surfing.
After the session, Amy shared her story on social media, reflecting on her journey from that frightening day 30 years ago to finally returning to the water. She ended her post with words that truly meant a lot to me:
“Thank you to the incredible photography and videography @jaybelsky for capturing one of the most special moments of my life.”
Hearing that is incredibly humbling.
Sometimes you meet someone and connect instantly. I had the pleasure of meeting Amy that day, and by the end of our time together, I felt like I’d made a new friend. Being able to photograph one of the most meaningful moments of her life made the experience even more special.
As someone who has spent years documenting the Skudin Surf community, I’ve learned that surfing has a unique ability to help people overcome obstacles. I’ve watched adaptive athletes ride their first waves, veterans rediscover confidence, children find joy in the ocean, and families create memories they’ll never forget.
GEAR
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