Profiles of Mavericks competitors
Won the XXL contest’s Biggest Wave honor in 2002 for a Mavericks wave measuring 68 feet on the face, and has ridden bigger waves recently at the fabled Nazare off the coast of Portugal.
The definition of a “soul” surfer, known for his solo missions to remote big-wave locations around the world — “places where there’s no one around.”
Honored for riding the biggest paddle-in wave in the 2008-09 season for a monster he caught at Mavericks.
A precise, fearless technician who first surfed Mavericks at 15 and gained respect with his ongoing dedication.
Hopes to make an impact after barely failing to advance out of his 2014 heat.
[...] focused on a global pursuit of big waves and has ridden some of the biggest at Mavericks in recent years.
Powerfully built, mild-mannered geologist who works in environmental consulting.
Crazy, willing stunt double on the “Chasing Mavericks” film set.
Had a near-death wipeout in the 2010 contest, memorable for its 50-foot faces, yet came all the way back to win the event.
Endured a frantic, 36-hour adventure to arrive on time and borrowed a board from Jeff Clark for the occasion.
[...] a passionate world traveler who won the 2009 Nelscott (Oregon) contest and was nominated for Best Overall performance (XXL Awards) in 2011 and ’13.
The essence of surf stoke, just as excited about Mavericks at 46 as he was as a brash, fearless teenager.
Known for taking on the frightening “Ghost Tree” break in Monterey.
Jamie Sterling, Hawaii: A mainstay on the Big Wave World Tour (separate from Mavericks), finishing first overall in 2010-11 and second in 2012-13.
Undoubtedly the most respected backside (goofy-foot) surfer in Mavericks history, having ridden it with distinction since the mid-1990s.
Won a 2005 XXL award for an astounding ride at Mavericks, and finished second in the landmark 2010 event.
Best big-wave surfer from the acclaimed Fletcher family, and that’s quite a statement.
The sons of a San Clemente lifeguard, Rusty and Greg Long began surfing the big waves of Todos Santos in their teens and have never looked back.
Earned his Mavericks stripes as a noncompetitor in 2010, pulling into a massive tube during the early-morning free-surf.
Has returned from a nasty Mavericks wipeout in 2014 that required knee surgery.
The heir to Laird Hamilton as the best big-wave surfer in the world, without a single argument.
A standout at Mavericks and second-place finisher last year, but best known for his astounding paddle-in feats at Peahi, also known as “Jaws,” on Maui.
Making his name on the global scene, consistently standing out on the Big Wave World Tour and winning the 2014 event at Punta Galea, Spain.
If there’s a soul of Mavericks surfing, it lives inside this gentle giant.