Big Wave Riding at Maverick

There was a show on TLC last night about sports injuries. There were guys riding PWCs at Mavericks out in California. They have 30+ foot high waves. Do these guys jump these things. Hs anyone ever ridden a PWC at this place or been there and seen it. It looks pretty scary.

Jamie Sapp

Wow I didn't think my question (which was asked purely out of curiosity) would spark this kind of passionate response.

I totally agree that PWC's should only be allowed there for rescue tow in purposes. There is not a PWC or a rider that could physically take the pounding that getting air of a 50 foot wave. It is just simple physics. I would like to see a TV special or video etc. with pro riders with special equipment and safety crews go riding in something like that.

I think the key is not just respect for surfers and Govt. but respect for the ocean. I live about as far away from Maverick as you can get in north America. (Nova Scotia which is all the way on the east coast of Canada for those of you who are bad at geography) so I've never seen it and probably never will. I have watched the winter storms that batter the Atlantic Coast over the last couple months unleash some waves that are over 20 feet high and I would not go near them. Fishermen in 60 foot lobsterboats can't go out in that stuff and that is how they make their living. How is anyone on an 8ft long pwc going to survive that?

We jump some pretty serious waves here during hurricane season in Sept Oct. but even that is trivial compared to a force like Maverick. That would treat me and my HEX like a tooth pick. No one stupid enough to try jumping a wave there should be allowed to walk around let alone ride a PWC.

if you want to check out pictures and video's of Mavericks go to www.swell.com also check out cortez banks. i also agree with shawn and respect needs to be shown to the spot and the surfers. any pwc-er who think that they can play ride that spot is a fool.

chris w

I train hard, am experienced with big water, have been held under until blood vessels broke in my eyes, and have jumped many large waves. In my experience surfers have had the attitude that they own the spots and we better leave or else........ well I say bullshit. Surfers will get the respect they give and no more or less. I guess I wont see you in the impact zone though..............

brett-

i have been surfing for over 20 years and jet skiing for 15. i belive people should respect each sport thats all. a pwc can jump off of crap waves, good waves to surf are rare. there are a few assholes in any group of people, i am not calling you an asshole just think if there is some mutual respect we can all keep riding, surfing, fishing, mountain bike, moto-X, back country skiing /boarding, you name it open. it is the few disrespectful assholes that ruin a perfectly good time.

p.s.

paddling the impact zone or squirting out of it in heavy water are 2 different things.

chris w

agreed.