Season 4, Episode 2: Surf Photographer, Christa Funk

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I sit down with Christa Funk, a water photographer based on the North Shore of Oahu who captures the raw power and beauty of Pipeline and beyond. She opens up about her unique journey from the Coast Guard Academy to becoming one of the few women photographers in heavy water, sharing how military discipline taught her to respect the ocean's power and work her way up slowly from small waves to massive Pipeline barrels. 

We dive deep into surf etiquette, the importance of earning your place in lineups, and how she stays in the water for hours with cliff bars tucked in her wetsuit (always bringing an extra to share with fellow photographers). She reflects on finding community in Hawai'i, dealing with doubters who said she'd fail when leaving the military, and how her faith and the memory of her late mentor guide her work. 

From hilarious stories about using period talk to clear crowded lineups to profound moments witnessing God in nature, this conversation explores what it means to show up with respect, build genuine relationships, and honor both the ocean and the people who've paved the way before us.

Produced by Brianna Ortega. Edited by Ty Feague. Music by Caroline Belk.