Russell Ord and Shanan Worrall
2024 Fotoworks WAPPA Conference Friday Lunch Speakers
30 August 2024
During Karen Tighe’s introduction of ‘Ordy and Shan’ as the final key-note speakers at the 2024 WAPPA Conference, she offered a subtle disclaimer that “the next speakers may be disturbing, confronting or raise some personal issues for some of you”; or something to a similar affect. As someone who initially brushed off the warning, I soon realised Karen’s caution would become a ‘moment of deep personal reflection’ for me.
I was eager to hear from these two speakers, and tasked with writing this summary, I hung off every word. To hear from fellow ocean devotees and surfers—who have reached the pinnacle of their vocation, neither Karen’s caution nor my enthusiasm was misplaced.
Russell Ord, shared his journey from a fiery, real-life lifesaver to a full-time water photographer, a shift sparked by the trauma of attending a fatal car accident. Then, Shanan Worrall, a fellow Esperance local, blessed to live in the deadly ocean paradise that Esperance is, recounted the unexpected death of his older brother, who was also a friend of mine. This became my first ‘moment of deep personal reflection’ for the afternoon.
Their bond, forged in both conflict and camaraderie, started with Shanan’s stern warning to Russell not to expose the beauty of Esperance to the world. But things changed dramatically when Russell saved Shanan’s life while surfing ‘The Right’ off Denmark. From that lifesaving moment on, their differences were set aside, and they forged an unbreakable friendship.
Russell and Shanan captivated us with tales of big wave surfing, water photography, and the challenges and joys that come with both. They delved into their techniques for mindfulness and mindful breathing, practices that would ultimately save their lives during three-wave hold-downs.
And then, they talked about sharks.
As a fellow ocean lover, we all have a shark story or two, but Shanan’s was particularly harrowing. He recalled rescuing a fellow abalone diver off Poison Creek, two hours east of Esperance, some years ago. The vivid details transported us all to that boat, experiencing the intensity of that life-and-death situation.
Having been in Shanan’s shoes—well, wetsuit—myself on two occasions, witnessing the devastation great whites can cause, I found myself in yet another ‘moment of deep personal reflection’… at a WAPPA Conference no less.
Ordy and Shan’s presentation was more than just a series of stories; it was a powerful reminder of the resilience, courage, and camaraderie that are at the heart of our work in education. Their raw honesty, humour, and insights left us all with much to consider — and perhaps inspired some “moments of deep personal reflection” on how we approach our roles as educators.
Written by Ross Tamlin, WAPPA Board Member
