Maverick the Dog

Mavericks is a legendary big wave surf spot, but few know the origin of the name.  Mavericks, located in Half Moon Bay in Northern California, was discovered in the early 60s by Alex Matienzo, Jim Thompson, and Dick Knottmeyer.  After months of watching the massive waves break more than 1/4 of a mile off shore, they decided to go out.

On the day they finally decided to paddle out, the three guys brought out their roommate's dog, Maverick.  He was a white German Shepherd. Maverick was used to coming out and surfing with the guys, and he would doggy paddle around the water until he got too tired or the guys finished their session.  When the trio started to paddle out, Maverick followed them and ended up a few hundred yards from the shore.  They had to turn back, and tie Maverick up on the shore because the waves were too dangerous for the dog.  They went on to surf the biggest waves ever ridden in California.  When they convened on shore, they unanimously decided to name the spot Mavericks, after the dog who had the best time of the group.

Enjoy these photos of the biggest wave in California, all named after Maverick...

Please note, I do not own the rights to any of these photos.

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