Speaking personally, whenever I'm injured and missing good waves I do my utmost to get away from the coast. I can't sit and watch because the feeling of missing out eats me up inside. Some might have better coping mechanisms but I don't count myself amongst them.

Now take Stu Dillon for instance. Laid up with an injury while the local points do their once-a-year impression of a coldwater Noosa he heads out, camera in hand, to record it. No need for his mates to tell him what he missed, 'cause he's got it saved in megapixels. Probably even photographed a wave or two of his mates in the process, selfless bloke that he is.

So here are his shots. If you've got any criticism you can spare it: this was his first time behind the lens and like any keen surfer he'd much rather be on the other side.