INTRODUCTION
This portfolio presents a complete chronological and professional history of Fred Pompermayer.
The content is written for editors, curators, award juries, institutions, brands, and archives.
No summarization, no marketing shortcuts, no omissions.
The narrative reflects the technical, physical, and conceptual depth of his work across big-
wave surfing, adventure photography, climbing environments, and mountain bike–supported
expeditions.

EARLY LIFE & FORMATION (BRAZIL)
Fred Pompermayer was born in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil, a city geographically distant from
the ocean. Growing up inland shaped an early psychological relationship with the sea built on
imagination, movement, and pursuit rather than proximity.
Surfing became an essential force in his life at a young age, requiring travel, discipline, and
commitment. This distance-driven relationship with the ocean later translated into a
photographic language centered on anticipation, scale, and human presence against vast
natural forces.
He pursued formal education in Architecture in Brazil. Architectural training played a
fundamental role in shaping his visual approach. Concepts such as spatial hierarchy, structural
balance, horizon discipline, proportional tension, and negative space became embedded in
his photographic compositions, especially when dealing with large wave formations and
extreme environments.

2001 — FIRST TURNING POINT: TRAVEL & CALIFORNIA
In 2001, Fred took a decisive break from academic routine to travel. This period included
extended stays in California, where he immersed himself in international surf culture and
encountered Pacific Ocean conditions far beyond what he had experienced before.
This exposure marked a profound shift. The power, scale, and unpredictability of big-wave
environments demanded documentation. Photography emerged organically — not as a career
plan, but as a necessity to record fleeting moments, risk, and raw energy.He began photographing surfers, waves, and environments instinctively, without formal
training, developing an intuitive understanding of timing, positioning, and survival in dynamic
water conditions.

EARLY 2000s — TRANSITION FROM ARCHITECTURE TO PHOTOGRAPHY
Upon returning to Brazil, Fred completed his architecture degree. However, his professional
trajectory had already shifted. Photography increasingly replaced architectural practice as his
primary focus.
During this phase, he invested heavily in:
Water safety
Ocean dynamics
Camera handling under stress
Physical conditioning
His architectural mindset translated directly into photographic execution. He developed an
ability to visually measure wave scale against the human body, use environmental geometry
as framing, and maintain compositional control in chaotic, high-impact situations.

2004 — PERMANENT MOVE TO CALIFORNIA
Around 2004, Fred Pompermayer relocated permanently to California. This strategic decision placed him at the center of the global big-wave surfing ecosystem, with direct access to Mavericks, Hawaii, and international expedition routes.
He committed fully to photography as a profession, operating in some of the most dangerous ocean conditions in the world. His reputation grew not only for visual quality, but for physical reliability, endurance, and calm decision-making in impact zones where few photographers could safely operate.

CROSS-DISCIPLINARY SKILLS: CLIMBING & MOUNTAIN BIKING
Fred Pompermayer’s photographic practice is deeply supported by advanced climbing and mountain biking skills, which are not auxiliary hobbies, but operational tools.
Climbing Skills
His climbing ability enables secure positioning on:Coastal cliffs, Headlands, Rock faces.
Exposed formations near impact zones. These skills allow precise camera placement where conventional access is impossible. Rope awareness, balance control, anchor assessment, and exposure management are integral to his
workflow. Climbing competence ensures: Safe operation under high wind and wave impact. Stable shooting platforms in vertical environments.
Expanded visual perspectives unavailable from water or shore alone.
Climbing directly enhances both image quality and operational safety.
Mountain Bike Skills.
Mountain biking provides critical logistical advantages during expeditions. It allows:
Rapid access to remote surf breaks
Efficient transport through rugged terrain
Exploration of wilderness routes unreachable by vehicles
Endurance, navigation, terrain reading, and self-reliance developed through MTB practice
increase operational autonomy during assignments. This mobility is essential in time-sensitive
conditions where wave windows are narrow and locations are isolated.

MAJOR AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS (CHRONOLOGICAL)
2009 — Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards
Monster Paddle Award
2010 — Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards
Monster Paddle Award
2013 — Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards
Pacífico Tube Award
2015 — Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards
Biggest Paddle Award
2017 — World Surf League Big Wave Awards
Multiple category finalist and recognition
2019 — Big Wave Awards
Biggest Female Paddle
2023 — Big Wave Awards
Biggest Wave Award
2024 — Big Wave Awards
Biggest Paddle Award
2025 — Big Wave Awards
Photo of the Year
His work has been featured in the two tiGuinness World Records for documentation of extreme surf achievements.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE & PRACTICE

Fred Pompermayer is internationally recognized for his work in:
Big-wave surf photography
Adventure and expedition photography
Extreme environment documentation
His images have appeared on over 50 magazine covers, global advertising campaigns, books, exhibitions, and institutional archives.
He is a long-standing member of the SanDisk Extreme Team and collaborates with Outex underwater systems, frequently modifying camera equipment to survive impact, pressure, and saltwater exposure.
His practice sits at the intersection of documentary, action sports, and environmental
portraiture, grounded in physical competence and compositional rigor.

Fred Pompermayer has a website to share your best pictures, like digital art, in fine art prints with people who receive them worldwide.

Take a look. fredpompermayer.com