ON Tuesday, January 14, the Phillip Island Boardriders Club (PIBC) is honoured to host Ted Grambeau Slide Night, an evening dedicated to celebrating the artistry, adventure, and storytelling of one of the surf world’s most iconic photographers. Known for his breathtaking surf imagery, Ted’s career has spanned decades, taking him from Phillip Island’s rugged breaks to some of the world’s most iconic surf destinations.
Ted’s journey began on Phillip Island, where he captured images of early PIBC members navigating the island’s iconic waves. These formative experiences paved the way for a remarkable career that has taken him to places like Hawaii, Tahiti, and Indonesia, and seen him work alongside the biggest names in surfing. His portfolio includes jaw-dropping moments from prestigious World Surf League (WSL) events, as well as historic competitions like the Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, one of the most revered contests in the surfing world.
At this special event, Ted will share recent, exclusive images from the 2025 Eddie Aikau Contest, where the world’s best big wave surfers challenged towering waves on Hawaii’s North Shore. This rare showcase includes shots of Ross Clarke-Jones, a former Eddie winner and now a proud Cape Woolamai resident who surfs daily with PIBC members.
Through Ted’s lens, attendees will experience not just the raw power of waves like those at Waimea Bay or Teahupo’o but also the culture, camaraderie, and personal stories behind each photo. Ted will narrate the highs and challenges of his career, from navigating treacherous conditions in the water to capturing moments that define the sport.
In addition to his work at the Eddie, Ted’s photography has also documented the evolution of professional surfing, including World Surf League events and the introduction of surfing to the Olympics in Tokyo. Whether photographing the intensity of competition or the beauty of remote surf destinations, Ted has an unparalleled ability to bring these moments to life.
PIBC President Jake Eisen reflected on the significance of this event for the local surfing community. “As kids, many of us grew up idolizing surfers in magazines and dreaming about the waves Ted was photographing. This was before digital cameras and social media, so we’d eagerly wait every month for the latest issue of Tracks magazine to see Ted’s photos and learn about what was happening in the surfing world. To now have him here sharing his stories and work with us is a surreal and humbling experience.
“Events like this aren’t just about the art—they’re about bringing our community together, celebrating our shared love of surfing, and honouring a local who has captured the spirit of our sport for decades.”
This event also pays tribute to Phillip Island’s surfing heritage and its connection to the global surfing tribe. Ted’s work reminds us of the deep bond that unites surfers across generations, from groms to legends like Ross Clarke-Jones, and how photography can inspire and preserve those moments forever.
Event details:
Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Time: 7:30pm
Entry fee: $15 payable on the door.
Open to all: Surf enthusiasts, art lovers and community members alike.