Big Waves

When people think of big wave surfing, they usually think of Laird Hamilton. He’s not only a big wave surfer, but one of the three men to invent tow-in surfing, in which surfers are towed in by jet skis because the waves are so big (20 – 50 ft. +). Surfers often use Guns – light, seven-foot boards – to navigate these treacherous waves.

Whether it’s big wave surfing or the ‘new’ tow-in surfing, wipeouts can be very dangerous. You can be submerged 20 to 50 feet underwater and only have seconds to figure out which way is air. Then you have to contend with more waves crashing down on top of you and holding you down. Being thrown into reefs or the ocean floor, as well as getting caught on something down there, are also serious concerns.

One of the most famous big wave spots in the world is Mavericks. It’s a place in Northern California with an interesting history.

Mavericks, which provides 20 to 50 foot waves in late winter due to unique rock formations beneath the surface, was originally discovered in 1961. But … there were no waves. Three surfers checked it out and left their dog ‘Maverick’ tied to their truck. After being disappointed with the surf (they were there at the wrong time), they named the place ‘Mavericks’ because the dog must have enjoyed the day more than the rest of them. Little did they know they were on to something.

In 1975, Jeff Clark rediscovered Mavericks, and its enormous waves.

In 1990, a picture was taken and put in Surfer Magazine. That’s when the swarm began.

In 1994, Mark Foo’s untimely and unfortunate death brought negative attention to Mavericks.

In 1999, with the allure of Mavericks being so strong, they ran their first competition. Big Wave surfing had hit mainstream.