Surfer Virostko Is Still King of the ‘Mountains

They’re calling it a Fleapeat. Darryl “Flea” Virostko overcame a violent wipeout during the finals of the second annual Quiksilver Men Who Ride Mountains surfing event at Maverick’s by rallying to win it for the second year in a row.

Virostko, 28, of Santa Cruz performed an unintentional gainer after becoming airborne on the sheer face of a wave measuring about 40 feet, only to be pulled over the falls and held under. But he caught his breath, paddled back and scored well enough on his next several waves to pull off the victory and earn $30,000.

Finishing second was six-time world champion Kelly Slater, 28, of Florida, who was surfing the notorious big-wave break off Pillar Point for only the second time. Third place went to Tony Ray of Australia.

While this break has been dominated by locals, all eyes were on Slater, who seemed poised for victory until the late charge by Virostko, whose flurry included a brief tube ride on a grinding inside section.