It's wave watching time at Mavericks

Those of us who are non-surfers are no doubt puzzled by this phenomenon. Phenomenon is what it is, as a matter of fact, because Northern California is not noted for being "Big Wave” territory.

I am told good surfing conditions depend on the topography of the seabed in addition to wind and tide, etc. Predicting good conditions appears to be an inexact science, although a potentially good location can be identified with some degree of reliability. Apparently whatever is down there below the waves at Mavericks is ideal for big surf, given other favorable variables.

Mavericks is in a fairly inaccessible location just North of Half Moon Bay and a half-mile off shore. Locals had observed larger waves than usually seen in this area. No known attempts to ride this surf were made until the 1960s.

The spot was named after a pet dog, Maverick, who was the only one to enjoy his first encounter with the waves in 1961. The humans in the party were unable to catch anything good on that day because it was too dangerous. It was called Mavericks Point until being shortened to just Mavericks.

Jeff Clark, a local Half Moon Bay surfing legend, is said to have been the first to accept the challenge of Mavericks. That was in 1975. For the next 15 years he had the place to himself. Finally, in 1990 some other noted Big Wave surfers joined him. In 1994, Mavericks claimed its first known victim, as Hawaiian Big Wave surfer Mark Foo was killed there. This unfortunate incident brought publicity to the area and attested to the challenge of its big surf.

Most people who surf are content with moderate waves that provide an exhilarating and generally non-life threatening sport. Most locals find the prospect of the great white shark enough of a threat. Few become Big Wave surfers. To follow the sport, one must travel the globe in search of perfect conditions. Mavericks is listed among the top dozen or so spots in the world.

The first surf contest at Mavericks was held in 1999. Now an almost annual event, it can’t be scheduled in advance because of the weather, wind and tide requirements for big surf. Conditions are usually best around this time of year, but if there isn’t a big storm soon, this year won’t see a contest.

Routinely, after a strong winter storm the waves crest over 25 feet, but they are looking for something like 50 feet or more. The contest is by invitation only, as this is no place for adventure seeking amateurs. The elite of surfdom around the world are put on notice and receive only 24 hours advance warning of the event. Presumably with bags and boards packed, they wait for the call somewhere within quick travel distance.

Even watching this world-class sport is not an easy thing. Each year, more spectators come and try to perch on the cliffs from which to watch the action off shore. Environmental damage and nonexistent parking have provided challenges to the organizers.

Modern photographic technique has provided many unbelievable pictures of the surfers and waves at Mavericks. The place has been featured in several films – but probably not ones you’ve seen unless you are into surf movies. Cowabunga, Dude.

Rediscovering the Peninsula appears in the Monday edition of the Daily Journal. For more information on this or related topics, visit the San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City.