Mavericks is one of the most adrenaline pumping big wave locations in the world and that’s the case for a number of reasons. Firstly, and frankly the biggest factor, the wave. Whereas some big wave spots break glassy and idillic, mavericks is a melting pot of rip tides underwater currents and choppy water down the face of huge waves! Taking off on a big wave is an art form in itself, at Mavericks it’s a Michaelangelo Masterpiece. With only the greatest surfing artist being able to draw the right lines to make the most of the epic wave face.

Another factor that makes Mavericks so notorious is the environment in which the wave is set. Harsh jaw dropping cliffs, with a tall white lighthouse staring down on proceedings and a natural ‘graveyard’ of sharp rocks and boulders jutting out along the shore line. All these factors included make Mavericks a one of the most intimidating waves on the planet. And un-like the warm water waves such as Peahi and Teahupoo, where riders are completely unrestricted riding in just there boar shorts, Mavericks breaks into Ice cold North pacific waters meaning a SERIOUS Winter Wetsuit is a must!

It’s not that i’m not amazed by the men riding jaws and chofu, it’s just that for the men who risk it all (lives have been lost) to be out at mavericks, in the dramatic natural theatre of the surrounding cliffs, taming an unforgiving, aggressive monster of a wave, I have and will always have never ending respect.