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DANIEL ORPEN

@danielorpen

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Loved beyond measure †
A visual journal of expression and inspiration
Cinematography • Surfing • Art and Entertainment
📍South Africa
@onewaymediax

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A special moment from yesterday //

I’d been having a quite a horrible past month before this past weekend; feeling heavily burnt out, stressed, making no time for the things that bring me joy, and handling “responsibilities”. So I spontaneously decided (dragged myself) to go surf yesterday because I really needed some life in my life..

As soon as I got into the water, all the other surfers left and I was pretty much out there alone for a good two to three hours. Out of the blue, toward the end of the session, I looked across the bay and saw some dollies heading straight toward me

Watching this video back, I still cant believe how close they came - I probably could’ve touched them if I reached out a bit further. (The wide angle on the camera makes them look about two - three metres out, when they were actually just over an arms length away)

We surf with dolphins often but to get this on film, and have them so close to me while being all alone, was a deeply personal and unforgettable experience

While I’m typing this and reflecting, I can clearly see how this moment was God cheering me up after being so low this past month - it was another taste to how kind, attentive and present he is with us and how he loves seeing us have fun and enjoy life

Life is for living, not surviving - and with God there is no limit 🖤 by @danielorpen

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2 months ago

A wave from last weekend, so stoked to get some photos // 📷 @johnwilkie taken in Victoria Bay Beach by @danielorpen

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3 months ago

“Beauty out of Ashes”

So grateful for the opportunity to compete at the Vicbay Surf Pro this weekend and showcase some of my surfing on a more professional stage, as well as be present amongst some of the best surfers in the country - what a fun experience

Being away from competing on the QS for a few years - due to some difficult life events - made the ice a little bit thicker when coming back. But honestly, after shaking off the nerves and letting the joy of the lord be my strength - it made all difference in me fully enjoying every moment and putting on a decent performance aswell

A part from the result (Round of 32 finish/ would’ve loved to have taken it further) It was just such a highlight coming back onto the scene, putting some heats together, and just being apart of the whole experience. This is a very special memory for me

I just love this sport so much man. I believe that there is so much purpose in me being here. Not just in showcasing my gift and ability, but displaying good character and positively influencing those around me

I want to share my story of how the love of God saved and restored my life, and gave me understanding of my true meaning

Trusting and hoping for many more events to come - I want to take this as far as it can go in every capacity

By God’s grace and for his glory - this was already a mini dream come true. 🦅🖤

Isaiah 41:10

// @wsl.qs @kodymcgregor taken in Victoria Bay Beach by @danielorpen

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3 months ago

The Collection Ep.3 - “You learn more from just being apart of an experience than you do from only winning”

This past event taught me one of the most valuable lessons I think I've ever learnt about being myself and who God created me to be - it showed the possibility of impact I get to participate in leaving in peoples lives by being my true authentic self and extending goodness to absolutely everyone, regardless of “performance”, “skill level”, results and morals - even when it appears inconvenient or unordinary

it's so exciting knowing that I've been set apart to be love and light in world drowning in darkness - that I get to be a lighthouse to lost sheep and reflect the kindness and light of God all over the earth, and point back to our Father - what a crazy thought 🌍

Apart from results and performance, I am grateful for all the highs and lows that continue drawing me closer to the truth and excited for all the incredible experiences and stories still to come †⚡️❤️ by @danielorpen

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4 months ago

everything you do means something

the beauty is in the journey not the ending

hold on to hope, and live in every step wholeheartedly because each one tells a story by @danielorpen

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4 months ago

reliving a sweet weekend from earlier this year with one of my lifelong best friends

reminiscing heavy over this super special week of spontaneous adventures, heavy metal car rides, slightly pongy house sitting, “bold eagles and grandpas hair”, hectic falls and laughter that honestly just didn’t end

crazy how the smallest moments with people who you love, can become the greatest memories - here is to more years of adventure, life and properly falling down stairs 😂

love you long time ky 🖤🦅

23.03.2026 by @danielorpen

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4 months ago

some golden hour compositions from late April - really dig the turn out of some of these // by @danielorpen

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4 months ago

Sundays wonders - a day filled with so many blessings; banter in the water, clean uncrowded waves, footage of myself surfing for the first time in ages and trading waves all day with mates

Feel like I’m learning to live more presently in the life I’ve been given and finding beauty in every moment - the glory is everywhere

Huge thanks to the legends @procrasti.cate_ and @tristan_gaylard for filming this sweet memory 📼 // taken in Buffelsbaai, Western Cape, South Africa by @danielorpen

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4 months ago

the wave from Saturdays session // by @danielorpen

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4 months ago

calm dreamy weather, good waves all day and surfing into sunsets - nothing like being fully immersed in God’s creation

very stoked on the outcome of my first surf edit using the DJI action cam - a proud “first of many” moment for me, and super excited to capture more of the special moments I experience out in the ocean

thank you Jesus for this life and gift of freedom

23.05.2026 taken in Buffelsbaai, Western Cape, South Africa by @danielorpen

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4 months ago

Episode 2 of “The Collection”, where I share personal reflections from my week — the highlights, the lowlights, the lessons, and the experiences along the way.

The idea behind these posts is to create something I can look back on one day. A kind of time capsule. Real memories, real moments — that maybe even resonates with someone else too in a way.

I’m honestly really excited to be doing this and creating these projects — its still a work in progress but trusting they’ll last and mean something over time. I think it’ll be special to look back on these one day and remember everything that’s shaped where I am now, and where I’m going 🕊

If you feel like following along with this, it’ll be sick to have you around. I’ll be sharing these weekly and seeing where it goes. by @danielorpen

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4 months ago

The moment I found true peace, was when I learnt how deeply I am loved, by the one who holds this together 🫴🏽✨ taken in Buffelsbaai, Western Cape, South Africa by @danielorpen

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4 months ago