Photographer Ryan Struck dives into waves equipped with nothing but his camera (in a protective water housing) and a pair of fins to get an inside look at surfers as they ride through barreling waves.

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The New Jersey-based photographer, who picked up surfing in college, said the sport helped him explore photography more.

“I’ve had an interest in photography throughout the years but it wasn’t until I picked up a surfboard that I really found a muse within the medium,” Struck told weather.com. 

(MORE: Amazing Photos of Surfers Under the Waves)

Struck started surfing a lot later than many of his friends, but he really enjoyed watching them ride the waves.

“As soon as I put my camera in the water I felt this tremendous pull to try and capture beauty among the surf,” he said. “I have caught the bug and my camera has brought me to places around the world, as well as awesome nooks throughout the tri-state area.”

When Struck goes on shoots he puts his camera in a waterproof housing and wears swim fins to paddle into the waves to get the perfect shot. “It’s a combination of good composition, lighting and physical fitness. I love every minute of it!”

He also has to be aware of wind speed. “Waves are generated from wind, and good waves area all about favorable wind,” he explained. “I’m always staying in the loop of storm directions, wind speeds and of course sunlight. Weather has everything to do with making these images.”

To see more of Struck’s work visit his website.