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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OPENING CEREMONY KICKS OFF

THE 2007 MAVERICKS SURF CONTEST® PRESENTED BY ASK.COM®

Packed Heat Selection Chosen and Official Mavericks Wetsuits Presented to Surfers

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Mavericks Surf Contest
Presented by Ask.com

Maverick’s, Half Moon Bay California
1 January – 31 March 2007

BAKER, MEL, FLEA, AMBROSE AND OTHERS TO RETURN TO THE 2007 MAVERICKS SURF CONTEST® PRESENTED BY ASK.COM®

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MAVERICK’S SURF CONTEST
Mountain of an event
South African drops in for big-wave win
Paul McHugh, Chronicle Outdoors Writer
Wednesday, February 8, 2006

Hawaiian surfer Brock Little launched the 2006 Maverick’s Surf Contest — just as in 2005 — by snatching the first ride of the first heat, at 8 a.m.

Seven hours later, a lanky South African named Grant Baker stood on a stage near the beach at Pillar Point to accept a $30,000 check as champion of Northern California’s most famed big-wave surf break.

In between came set after set of waves that San Francisco’s Grant Washburn proclaimed, “The best we’ve ever had at a Maverick’s contest, maybe the best at any big-wave surf contest ever.” Others would qualify that remark, but at the moment, Washburn was aglow with adrenalin, enthusiasm and fatigue. He’d surfed three heats in swift succession and placed fifth in the finals.

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The Mavericks Contest Returns
From Jay DiMartino,

Twenty-four of the Best Big-Wave Surfers and Thousands of Fans Await the Call to See Who Will Claim the 2006 Title at World Renowned Half Moon Bay

HALF MOON BAY, Calif., Nov. 21, 2005 – Poised to exceed last year’s world-class rides and record attendance, Mavericks Surf Ventures is thrilled to announce the return of The Mavericks Surf ContestR for the third consecutive year. On just 24 hours’ notice – between January 1, and March 31, 2006 – 24 of the world’s greatest big-wave surfers will descend upon the frigid waters of Half Moon Bay for the chance to ride “the most dangerous waves in the world.” New this season, Mavericks fans will have the opportunity to have their say, voting for five contestants they would like to see compete at this year’s contest and receive SMS updates directly on their cell phone.

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FLEA PEAT
DARRYL “FLEA” VIROSTKO WINS HIS THIRD STRAIGHT MAVERICK’S EVENT

Flea: still the one.
PHOTO: www.mavsurfer.com
Story Courtesy of Surfing Magazine

It was bumpy, windy and well below the 20-foot mark, but Darryl “Flea” Virostko once again proved he’s the Master of Maverick’s — no matter the conditions. The 32-year-old Santa Cruz surfer caught the winning wave of the Maverick’s Surf Contest with about nine minutes remaining in the final — a solid, 15-foot wall that outmuscled the rest of the day’s rides. “Yeah now!” said Flea after the victory. “Party in Santa Cruz tonight!”

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