Mavericks competitors, by heat
HEAT 1
Carlos Burle, Brazil: One of surfing’s great marvels at 48. 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. A Mavericks finalist in 2010.
Derek Dunfee, San Diego: 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.
Colin Dwyer, Pacifica: Best 25- and- under big- wave rider in Northern California. 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.
Jamie Mitchell, Australia: Hands down the greatest ocean paddler of all time, having won the prestigious Molokai- toOahu race 10 years in a row. Now focused on a global pursuit of big waves and has ridden some of the biggest at Mavericks in recent years.
Ryan Seelbach, San Francisco: Powerfully built, mildmannered geologist who works in environmental consulting. Master of Ocean Beach. Still charging hard at 45 and a 16- year Mavericks veteran. Made the 2014 semifinals despite suffering bruised ribs a few days before.
Anthony Tashnick, Santa Cruz: Won the 2005 contest and finished third in 2010, at that point the biggest waves ever challenged in a paddle- in contest. Crazy, willing stunt double on the “Chasing Mavericks” film set. Made the finals in 2014. On the long list of great ones from Santa Cruz’s West Side.
HEAT 2
Chris Bertish, South Africa: 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.
Kohl Christensen, Hawaii: A little- known “underground” surfer for years in Hawaii, he began chalking up big- wave feats too significant to ignore. Now a passionate world traveler who won the 2009 Nelscott ( Oregon) contest and was nominated for Best Overall performance ( XXL Awards) in 2011 and ’ 13.
Kenny Collins, Santa Cruz: The essence of surf stoke, just as excited about Mavericks at 46 as he was as a brash, fearless teenager. Pioneered the Northern California tow- in movement with Peter Mel in the late 1990s, made the finals of the epic 2010 contest and still charges every big swell that comes along.
Tyler Fox, Santa Cruz: A standout in the 2014 contest, winning his semifinal and finishing fourth overall. Known for taking on the frightening “Ghost Tree” break in Monterey. No “goofy- footer” ( right foot forward) has won the Mavericks event, and he’d like to be the first.
Mark Healey, Hawaii: Consensus world leader for the combination of talent and bravado. Basically will take off on anything, anywhere. Can hold his breath for more than five minutes sitting still. Matches his feats with genuine humility. Free- diving ace who intentionally swims among sharks on Oahu’s North Shore.
Jamie Sterling, Hawaii: A mainstay on the Big Wave World Tour ( separate from Mavericks), finishing first overall in 201011 and second in 2012- 13. Made the semifinals of the recent Todos Santos ( Mexico) contest. Perennial main- lister at the prestigious Eddie Aikau event in Hawaii.
HEAT 3
Shane Desmond, Santa Cruz: 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.
Nathan Fletcher, Hawaii: Best big- wave surfer from the acclaimed Fletcher family, and that’s quite a statement. Moved his base from Southern California to Hawaii and seeks out the biggest, heaviest waves he can find. Was surfing Mavericks with Sion Milosky in March 2011 when his good friend was killed on a wipeout.
Rusty Long, Southern California: 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.
Alex Martins, San Francisco: Lives in the shadow of Ocean Beach, where he can catch every swell at that ultra- challenging beachbreak. Originally from Brazil, known for savoring big days with a smile on his face. Has returned from a nasty Mavericks wipeout in 2014 that required knee surgery.
Ben Wilkinson, Australia: Originally from Narabeen, New South Wales, he moved to Hawaii in 2005 ago and makes his living as a carpenter. Friends were stoked to see him make Mavericks’ main list, because “he’s got a great attitude,” said Grant Washburn, “and he always stands out.”
Zach Wormhoudt, Santa Cruz: Highly respected member of Mavericks’ old guard. Won the 2004 XXL award for the biggest paddle- in wave of the winter. One of the most consistently solid performers in the contest, finishing fifth in 2000, fourth in ’ 05 and second in ’ 13.
HEAT 4
Ryan Augenstein, Santa Cruz: A disciple of the great Peter Mel, he dreamed of Mavericks as a kid and got his first contest invitation in 2005. A longtime lifeguard, he’s humble and quiet but always a man to watch. Taking off deep and effectively, he finished third in the 2014 contest.
Shane Dorian, Hawaii: 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.
Nic Lamb, Southern California: 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. Grew up in Santa Cruz and is currently pursuing a career in commercial acting. His goal: “To catch the biggest paddle- in wave ever.”
Greg Long, Southern California: This is a stacked heat. Long has won more big- wave awards than anyone else in the world. Nearly drowned at Cortes Bank, off the coast of San Diego, in 2012 but returned after much soul- searching. At Mavericks: second in 2005, first in ’ 08, third in ’ 13, fifth in ’ 14.
Grant Washburn, San Francisco: If there’s a soul of Mavericks surfing, it lives inside this gentle giant. Has surfed Mavericks more often than anyone else since the early 1990s, including 40 sessions this season. Known for imparting precious wisdom of the break to reputable out- of- town riders.
Dave Wassel, Hawaii: A longtime Pipeline lifeguard on Oahu’s North Shore, Wassel knows big surf — “and you can’t compare Mavericks to Hawaii,” he says. “It’s got cold water, giant sharks, giant waves and giant rocks.” For the special ones, like Wassel, that sounds like a fun adventure.
ALTERNATES: Travis Payne, Danilo Couto, Frank Solomon, Nic Vaughan, Patrick Shaughnessy, Matt Becker, Savannah Shaughnessy, Kealii Mamala, Aaron Gold, Ian Walsh.