Rob Tibbles Photography

North Devon based Rob Tibbles is an experienced freelance photographer with a reputation for producing consistantly eye-catching work. Rob provides all forms of photographic services including Portrait photography, Motorsport & Vehicle photography, Editorial and Press photography, Architectural and Commercial photograpy as well as Wedding photography throughout the UK.

From working in a small camera shop in Buckinghamshire on leaving college, Rob’s photographic journey has taken him from managing Kodak proccessing Laboratories to the demanding world of Press photography. While working for the media Rob turned his lens towards the emerging extreme sports. With a growing intrest in surfing it was inevitable these two worlds would collide. Combining his passions Rob co-founded EXTREMEBOARDSHOTS the specialist surf photography brand. As principle photographer the style and content reflects ability of this talented photographer.

Interview from the North Devon Journal

This week LINEUP profiles the man behind the lens . . . Rob Tibbles. The goofy-footed father-of-two was a founder member of Extremeboardshots.com and, as well a being a snapper for the North Devon Journal, he also heads up the GoldCoast Oceanfest photography team. He uses Nikon kit and looks like a wounded seal when out swiming with his water camera rig.

His pictures can be seen on Extremeboardshots.com and at exhibitions at the Landmark, RHS Rosemoor, and most recently the Queens Theatre.

Name: Rob Tibbles

Age: 35

Lives: Barnstaple

Surfs: Croyde and Woolacombe, but not as much as I should. If the waves are good I’d sooner go swimming with my water camera to get a good photo.

How long have you been surfing? 10 years.

What got you involved with surfing? Living so close to the sea, and the loan of a mate’s shortboard.

What’s your most memorable session and why? Going out at 6ft+ Lynmouth with my camera for the first time and getting run over by Steve’s 12ft board before being washed in over the boulders.

What is the best thing about surfing for you? The sheer enjoyment of catching a wave whether with my camera, my board or just body surfing.

What would you say to people wanting to get involved with the sport? Do it, have lessons, respect other surfers, get paddle fit and enjoy yourself – it’ll change your life!

Where else have you surfed in the world? Morrocco and France.

How does North Devon compare to other global surf spots? On its day, the waves here are as good as anywhere, and the scenery is awesome. It would be nice if the water were warmer though.

What’s the worst thing about surfing? Flat spells … and rips that leave you paddling on the inside looking like a kook for ten minutes.

Your opinion on hired equipment? It’s an important part of the local economy and something we have to live with.

What about surf schools, anything to say? We’ve all had to learn – what’s wrong with getting lessons from someone who KNOWS, rather than a mate who surfed once and has talked it up ever since.

Have you had any nasty injuries surfing? I’ve been lucky so far, but like most I’ve had my fair share of knocks and bangs and close encounters with rocks. Occupational hazard really.

Best wave you’ve surfed? It’s in Cornwall … it’s a righthand reef … it’s perfect – answers on a postcard anyone?

Are you sponsored? No, but I’m thinking of approaching Carling.

Anything else to say? I can’t wait for the next swell, hope to see you there, and remember to smile.