Mavericks, Winter surf spot in Half Moon Bay, United States.
The waves at Mavericks form over an underwater rock formation, creating swells that reach heights of 60 feet during winter storms.
Sarah Gerhardt made history in 1999 by becoming the first woman to surf at Mavericks, opening new possibilities for female athletes in big wave surfing.
The Mavericks Awards program evaluates surfers and videographers who document their performances at this northern California surfing destination throughout the season.
Access to Mavericks requires a half-mile paddle from Pillar Point Beach, and winter months between November and March offer the most favorable conditions.
The seafloor at Mavericks contains a deep trough on each side of a sloping ramp, creating a wave formation mechanism found nowhere else.
GPS coordinates: 37.48521,-122.46992
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:19
These locations offer reliable surfing conditions with constant waves. The spots range from Hawaii to Australia, including Banzai Pipeline and Bells Beach. Experienced surfers find challenges at Mavericks in California or Teahupo'o in Tahiti. Various skill levels can find suitable waves at beaches like Hossegor in France or Rincon Point in California.
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