(12-10) 20:38 PST PRINCETON BY THE SEA — Through a blanket of fog, it was a vision of death. Darryl Virostko, the big-wave surfer known as Flea, was taking what witnesses described as the worst-looking wipeout they ever saw. It was a gloomy day at Maverick’s last week, and a handful of riders were meeting the challenge of their lives.

The most-seasoned Maverick’s surfers have seen some epic disasters in their time. Jay Moriarity, who met his death years later while free-diving, took a well-publicized wipeout in 1994, just four days before the drowning of Hawaiian superstar Mark Foo. A Santa Cruz surfer named Neil Matthies took a fall on a giant peak in 1998 and was held under so long that a second wave passed over him before he came to the surface - about 45 seconds later, more than 100 yards inside the spot of impact.

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December 6, 2007
Legendary day at Maverick’s

‘Perhaps the biggest wave ever witnessed at Maverick’s’

JULIE JAG
SENTINEL STAFF WRITER
HALF MOON BAY — Grant Washburn knows his limits. When it comes to waves, a six-story wall of water is enough to convince the San Francisco big wave surfer to sit it out. That explains why the man known as the “gentle giant” was on a cliff filming documentary footage when perhaps the biggest wave ever witnessed at Maverick’s rolled through the break near Half Moon Bay on Tuesday.

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Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Jet Ski rescuer honored for riding Katrina victims to safety

Jet ski rescuer honored for riding Katrina victims to safety
By Jane Northrop
Article Launched: 10/03/2007 01:21:18 PM PDT

When Hurricane Katrina plunged New Orleans into deep water, the streets started to look like familiar terrain to Frank Quirarte and his team of jet ski rescuers.

When the Mavericks surf contest is on, Quirarte sits on a jet ski and positions himself close enough to the big waves to be an effective rescuer for any of the athletes who need his assistance.

And often they do, he said.

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By Don curry
Photo’s and Graphics - Mavsurfer Greenroom Archives

If you’ve stuck your face in a surf mag or watched the action on any number of videos and possibly want to try riding monster surf yourself, then here are a few ways to prepare for the on-coming season.
Increase your confidence.

The best way to build confidence and improve your ability is to get out there and surf. Consistency is the only way to improve your skills. Consistent good surf during the summer months in California is rare. So if you can, take a trip to a reputable challenging destination, such as Indonesia or the South Pacific. Traveling to unfamiliar places can increase self confidence and definitely improve your surfing. Another advantage to traveling, is the interaction with other surfers from around the world. You’ll find that most people will mirror your attitude, so have a good one. And most of all respect the native people and they will treat you like gold.

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Maverick’s or Mavericks is a world-famous surfing location in Northern California. It is located approximately one-half mile (0.8 km) from shore in Pillar Point Harbor, just north of Half Moon Bay. After a strong winter storm has occurred in the northern Pacific Ocean, waves can routinely crest at over 25 feet (8m) and top out at over 50 feet (15m). The break is caused by an unusually-shaped underwater rock formation.

Mavericks is a destination for some of the world’s premier big wave surfers. Very few riders become big wave surfers; and of those, only a select few are willing to risk the hazardous conditions at Maverick’s. An invitation-only contest is held there every few winters, depending on wave conditions.

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We had to scrap the old version. We were hacked and we didn’t know how deep they went. So we played it safe and started from scratch. We will get everything replaced soon. So keep checking back.Thanks

Staff