Photo and caption by Lace Andersen / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest

Winter season on Kauai translates to large ocean swells and slightly cooler temperatures. When the first large swell passed through the islands I embarked on my inaugural wave hunting expedition. It's a tricky dance of timing, being patient, and juggling settings on the camera. Every wave that explodes into the air is uniquely defined by its environment.

Location: Kauai, Hawaii

All images from the 2014 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. Check out the National Geographic site to view the full contest (ends June 30^th) here: http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2014/