Rusty Long is an explorer, journalist, professional big wave surfer, and photographer. At an early age he and his brother Greg Long (surfer)

Greg Long (surfer)

Greg Long is a 27 year old Californian surfer from San Clemente, California. He is the only surfer to win the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational, the Maverick's Surf Contest, and the Red Bull Big Wave Africa event. Additionally, he is the most decorated surfer in the Billabong XXL big wave surfing...

 were junior lifeguards as well as surfers in San Clemente, California

San Clemente, California

San Clemente is a city in Orange County, California. The population was 63,522 at the 2010 census. Located on the California Coast, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego at the southern tip of the county, it is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish...

 there hometown. This lead to Rusty's quest for big waves he has earned the reputation as being one of the most prominent big wave surfers in the world. To add to his big wave accomplishments Rusty has also conquered China's Qiantang River Tidal Bore known as the "Silver Dragon" along with his brother Greg Long (surfer)

Greg Long (surfer)

Greg Long is a 27 year old Californian surfer from San Clemente, California. He is the only surfer to win the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational, the Maverick's Surf Contest, and the Red Bull Big Wave Africa event. Additionally, he is the most decorated surfer in the Billabong XXL big wave surfing...

and Mark Healey in September 2008