Who pioneered Mavericks?

Jeff Clark (surfer)
Jeff Clark (born March 26, 1957 in Redwood City, California) is one of the most noteworthy big-wave surfers, famous for surfing Mavericks alone for 15 years before it was widely discovered by the big-wave surfing community.

Who was the first surfer to surf Mavericks?

Jeff Clark
Local Half Moon Bay resident, Jeff Clark is the first documented person to ever surf “Mavericks” Half Moon Bay, CA.

What is a maverick wave?

Mavericks is a dangerous wave that breaks off Pillar Point, in Half Moon Bay, at Princeton-by-the-Sea, in Northern California, just 20 miles south of San Francisco. It’s a fast and furious right-hand wave that, on epic days, produces a rare left-hander.

Why are waves so big at Mavericks?

These may also be large swells, but they don’t take advantage of the unique underwater topography, known as bathymetry, that focuses the waves from a west or northwest swell at Mavericks. Swells are generated by winds from big storms, sometimes many thousands of miles away.

Why is it called Half Moon Bay?

In 1874, Spanishtown officially became known as Half Moon Bay, named for the beautiful crescent-shaped harbor that lies just north of town. As the late 1800s passed, the area’s character became established by the diverse representation of cultures that made the Coastside a prime example of the American melting pot.

When did Jay Moriarity surf Mavericks?

Thanks to his preparation and training together with his mentor Frosty, on April 1994 Jay Moriarity dominated Mavericks wave. He was only 16 years old. Jay’s first ride of this mountain of water was immortalized by a photo which became the cover of the Surfer magazine.

Have people died surfing Mavericks?

Mavericks is a challenging — at times, even deadly — surfing location on the California coast. It’s about a half-mile offshore from Half Moon Bay’s Pillar Point, about 25 miles south of San Francisco. Two surfers have died here, one in 1994, the other in 2011.

What native land is Half Moon Bay?

Spanishtown, or Half Moon Bay as it is now called, is perhaps the oldest settlement in San Mateo County, dating back to the 1840s. For thousands of years, the land was inhabited by Ohlone Indians. They lived in many places around San Mateo County, including Half Moon Bay’s Pilarcitos Creek.