Surfing photo galleries

Mavericks Surf Videos

Wave slams spectators

Wave slams spectators

Some 13 fan were injured at the 2010 Mavericks contest when rogue waves crashed down on the beach.

Winner's circle

Winner's circle

Winning Maverick surfers ride a wave of applause at the 2007/2008 finalist ceremony.

Fans can't get enough

Fans can't get enough

Thousands of Bay Area residents, from first-time spectators to longtime fans, turned out early for Mavericks 2007/2008.

100-foot Wednesday

100-foot Wednesday

Surfers recall day when the waves towered twice as high as normal and safety personnel battled for survival.

Mavericks 2006

Mavericks 2006

Watch highlights of Mavericks 2006, where conditions were perfect and South African Grant Baker took home the prize.


Mavericks Surf Podcasts

Struggle for survival

Struggle for survival

Jonathan Cahill tells the harrowing story of how he survived a 100-foot wave by riding his Jet Ski toward it head-on.

More for surfers in SFGate

Mexico travel guide

Mexico travel guide

Plan your trip to Trocones, Todos Santos, Puerto Escondido and other sweet surf spots.

Hawaii travel guide

Hawaii travel guide

From the North Shore to Waimea Bay, get the inside scoop on where to eat, sleep, party and surf on the islands.

Ski & Snow guide

Ski & Snow guide

Get the latest snow and traffic conditions, book your crash pad and head for the hills.

Mavericks Surf Contest

Ready for Mavericks

Ready for Mavericks

The window for the Mavericks surf contest in Half Moon Bay is open, with invited surfers scoping out the best waves through Feb. 28. 2010 photos | Video

Sharf Attack Statistics

Where are the great whites lurking? Search our database to see attacks and fatalities by region.

Click here to load this Caspio Bridge DataPage.

Surfing Feature Stories

Slater returns to Maverick's

Slater returns to Maverick's

Kelly Slater, who was unmatched on the Association of Surfing Professionals tour, will take another crack at Maverick's.

Mavericks under new leadership

Mavericks under new leadership

A new group now controls Mavericks big-wave contest. Biggest change so far: No fans allowed on the beach or bluffs during the contest.

Hawaii's pantheon of surf greats

Hawaii's pantheon of surf greats

From Duke Kahanamoku to Woody Brown, who surfed into his 90s, a look at the giants of Hawaii's waves.

Aloha, Andy Irons

Aloha, Andy Irons

The surfing world reels from the news that three-times world champion Andy Irons has died, reportedly from dengue fever.

5 surfing-related travel spots

5 surfing-related travel spots

Here are five places for surf bums as well as hodads to dial into the surf lifestyle.

Slater to surf Maverick's

Slater to surf Maverick's

The top surfer has reportedly thrown his hat into the Maverick's ring.

A thrilling read

A thrilling read

Ever wonder what it's like to surf a 100-foot wave - and survive? Reading Susan Casey's new book is a safe way to find out.

Skims the surface

Skims the surface

Unfortunately the surf documentary "Highwater" only offers barely explored concepts and short profiles.

A team sport for shredders

A team sport for shredders

Despite surfing's reputation for rugged individualism, high school surfing tournaments emphasize teamwork.

Mavericks champ wins Eddie Aikau

Mavericks champ wins Eddie Aikau

Greg Long staked his claim as the world's best big-wave surfer, winning the prestigious Eddie Aikau contest. Competition photos »

From waves to rehab

From waves to rehab

After winning Mavericks three times, Darryl "Flea" Virostko faced something even scarier: rock-bottom drug addiction.

Back to board basics

Back to board basics

Calling on his woodworking skills, Danny Hess is out to make a better (and environmentally sustainable) surfboard.

Jeff Clark's cool move

Jeff Clark's cool move

Despite major squabbles, Clark bestows his blessing on Mavericks opener. Contest heats chosen »

Dude, that's a longboard?

Dude, that's a longboard?

Onetime Apple designer Thomas Meyerhoffer reinvents a sacred shape for a more intimate, versatile ride.

Waves of volunteers

Waves of volunteers

As nonprofits raise awareness about environmental issues in surfing locales, surf-volunteer trips are sprouting up all over the coastal world.


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Surfing Events

Mavericks Visitor Guide

Where to sleep

Where to sleep

Find motels, hotels, B&Bs;, hostels and campgrounds on the San Mateo Coast.

More hotels »

Where to eat

Where to eat

Grab a post-competition bite at one of these Peninsula chowder houses, Irish taverns or pizzerias.

More restaurants »

What to do

What to do

From hiking through the redwoods to sundowners overlooking the Pacific, how to plan a perfect day in Half Moon Bay.

More weekend getaways »