On a late January afternoon, just after sunset, a rogue set of waves crashed onto First Reef Pipeline. I was the last person lingering in the water, eagerly hoping to capture the magic of an empty wave through my lens. The scene was breathtaking as the wall of water legged perfectly onto the first reef, forming an impressive vertical mountain of energy. The hues of the setting sun painted the sky with vibrant colors, adding to the drama of the moment. Sunset has always been my favorite time of day for documenting winter swells; the combination of the peaceful evening light and the powerful ocean creates a serene yet exhilarating experience.