Mavericks, near Pillar Point Harbor north of Half Moon Bay, is one of Northern California’s most famous big-wave surf breaks, known for winter swells that can rise beyond 25 feet and sometimes top 60. The seafloor’s shape concentrates wave energy into the steep, powerful faces that define the break. Named after a German Shepherd that swam out with surfers in 1967, Mavericks was long considered too dangerous until Jeff Clark first documented surfing it alone in 1975. Wider attention came in 1990, and the break became an international proving ground, shaped by major competitions, landmark rides, evolving safety efforts, and the deaths of Mark Foo and Sion Milosky.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain