
looks like he's using some old camera bodies, circa 2010/2013? iso800 was a big deal back then, and those pics were shot at a great distance across the channel, plus heavily cropped i imagine.
i'm happy to see any surf pics from hawaii, no matter what gear was used

Correct on all counts. I used my crusty yet trusty 1D4 that day due to strong onshore winds blowing salt mist all over my gear. I had to constantly wipe the stuff off the front lens, eye peeper and my glasses to stay in action. I kept the newer bodies (1DxII and 5DIII) safe and secure in the car. I still have and use a 10D (6mp?) that I'll use just to reminisce over the old times.
edit - Time to update my gear list of which I haven't done in years.