Mavericks is a big wave surf spot about half a mile off Pillar Point, near Half Moon Bay, California. On its biggest days, the wave faces reach 30 to 60 feet, and it's one of the most dangerous waves in the world. Only experienced big wave surfers ride it, but anyone can watch from the bluff when a big swell hits.
Why Mavericks Breaks So Big
Deep-ocean swells from storms far out in the Pacific travel thousands of miles to reach Mavericks. A deep-water channel leads up to a shallow reef. When the swell hits the reef, it slows down and rises into a steep, heavy wave. Closer to shore is the Boneyard, an area of rocks where a wipeout can be very dangerous.
What Mavericks Needs to Break
- Swell: A big, long-period swell from the west or northwest, from a powerful storm in the North Pacific.
- Swell period: Usually 16 seconds or more. The swell period is the time between wave crests. Longer periods carry more energy, so the waves hold their size and power when they reach the reef.
- Wind: Light wind, or offshore wind from the east or southeast. Offshore wind holds up the face of the wave. Strong onshore wind makes the wave choppy and much more dangerous.
- Tide: Medium to high tide is usually best, because it covers more of the reef and the rocks. The best tide changes with the swell, so check a Mavericks forecast on Surfline.
Who Surfs Mavericks
Mavericks is only for professional big wave surfers who have trained for years. It's not a place to try big wave surfing for the first time. Jeff Clark first rode it in 1975 and surfed it alone for years before others joined him. Peter Mel, Grant "Twiggy" Baker, Shane Dorian and Kai Lenny are among the best-known surfers there since.
- Fitness: A wipeout can hold a surfer underwater through several waves, in cold, rough water. Surfers train hard for strength and breath-holding.
- Boards: Big wave guns, usually 9 to 11 feet long or more, built to paddle into huge waves and stay stable.
- Wetsuits: Thick wetsuits (5/4mm or 6mm) with hoods, boots and gloves, because the water is cold year-round.
- Flotation vests: Inflatable vests are now standard. They help a surfer get back to the surface after a long hold-down.
- Safety team: Jet ski drivers pull surfers out after wipeouts, often from near the Boneyard before the next wave hits. Spotters on the cliffs radio in sets and hazards.
How to Watch Mavericks
The best place to watch is from Pillar Point Bluff, the clifftop park above the harbor. On big days, crowds gather with binoculars and cameras.
- Watch the forecast. Mavericks only breaks big a few times each winter, usually between November and March.
- Go when the conditions line up: a large, long-period swell and light or offshore wind.
- Arrive early and expect crowds and limited parking.
- Stay back from the cliff edge and off the beach. Big sets can surge up the shore without warning.
- Bring binoculars. The break is half a mile out.
The Bottom Line
Mavericks needs a big northwest swell, long periods, light or offshore wind and the right tide to break at full size. If you want to see it, watch the winter forecasts for Half Moon Bay and head to the Pillar Point Bluff when the swell arrives. For more giant waves, read about the hunt for the 100 foot wave.