PHOTO: Mark Oblow

Editor’s Note: As we’ve stressed before: Oblow’s range shows no limit. Beckham and Slater. To the back alleys with the punkest of punk. He gets it done and doesn’t miss a step. Today, a rare candid moment off the clock with Kelly. (Be sure to check out our interview with Kelly in Issue 3, it was conducted by a fine journalist bye the name of Dane Reynolds — who coincidently hates capital letters as well. Go figure.) —Travis

Mark Oblow: this photo is of the best surfer to ever live: kelly slater — or as i like to call him “the champ” and he likes to call me “diablo” or “oblow escobar.” i had the opportunity to become friends with him from all the years i shot him for quiksilver.

this photo was in costa rica, after i had just had the worst food poisoning the day before and had to stop the shoot — and who of all people to show up at my door with medicine but the champ.

this was shot with 35 millimeter film on a contax.

To see more of Oblow’s incredible archive, check out his website, tumblr and Instagram: @markoblow