About half a mile off Pillar Point, near the fishing harbor at Half Moon Bay, an underwater rock formation turns powerful winter swells into some of the biggest rideable waves in the world. Surfers call it Mavericks.
Named after a dog
In 1961, a group of local surfers paddled out near Pillar Point. A white German shepherd named Maverick swam after them. The surfers decided the waves were too big and dangerous that day, but the dog's name stuck to the spot.
The lone surfer
For roughly 15 years, starting in 1975, Half Moon Bay local Jeff Clark surfed Mavericks almost entirely alone. Few believed him about the size of the waves. When surfers from Santa Cruz and beyond finally came to see it in 1990, Mavericks became world famous almost overnight.
Why it's so dangerous
Winter waves at Mavericks regularly reach 25 feet and can exceed 50. The water is cold, the rocks are close and the hold-downs are long. Even elite surfers treat it with deep respect.
How to see Mavericks
- When: Big swells usually arrive between November and March.
- Where: Walk the trail from the Pillar Point parking area toward the bluffs. Bring binoculars. The break is far offshore.
- Stay safe: The bluffs are unstable and sneaker waves hit the beach. Stay well back from the edge.
A Half Moon Bay day trip
Combine the walk with fish and chips at Pillar Point Harbor, a drive along Highway 1 to Pigeon Point Lighthouse and a stop at a pumpkin patch in October.
