Santa Cruz Surfer Wins State’s First Big Wave Contest

As the early morning fog lifted Wednesday, competitors charged into the treacherous surf at the spot locals call “Maverick’s,” opening the first formal big wave surfing contest in California history.

After a months-long wait for ideal conditions, the “Maverick’s Men Who Ride Mountains” contest began at noon with waves that measured 15 to 18 feet and stayed that way throughout the day.

Darryl “Flea” Virostko of Santa Cruz won the first-place prize of $15,000, conquering the huge swells. Second place went to Richard Schmidt, also of Santa Cruz.

“It just all worked out, I guess. I’m stoked,” Virostko said. “I do it for pleasure, but it paid off big time today.”

Surf clothing company Quiksilver had invited 20 of the world’s top surfers to risk life and limb vying for the top prize. Contestants received $1,000 each for showing up.

Maverick’s, named after the dog of an old-time local surfer, is considered one of the world’s most challenging surf spots. Winter weather can generate 20- to 30-foot waves and near-freezing water temperatures. Surfers must watch constantly for rocks strewn along the shore.

Last year, Quiksilver asked local surfer Jeff Clark to help organize the contest. Clark had surfed the site alone for 15 years before telling his friends about it in 1990. Since then, eager challengers have flocked to the spot.

Tragedy struck in December 1994, when Mark Foo, a champion surfer from Hawaii, arrived to take on Maverick’s. He lost his balance on a wave and drowned. But the death only increased the site’s notoriety.

Last year, surf and ski gear company K2 sponsored a controversial open contest in which surfers competed for a $50,000 prize in the world’s top big wave spots. Local surfer Peter Mel appeared to be an early favorite after catching a ride at Maverick’s. But he ultimately placed second.

Most of Wednesday’s contestants hailed from Northern California, with two from Hawaii, two from Australia and one from the San Diego area. Quiksilver avoided criticism sometimes leveled at events that attract amateurs to dangerous surf spots by limiting the event mostly to Maverick’s veterans.

The contest was originally scheduled for sometime between Nov. 1, 1998 and Jan. 27, with wave conditions dictating the exact day. But when the right conditions failed to materialize, Quiksilver pushed the deadline to March 31.