1. Outer Bowl: On the biggest of days (20 feet at 20 seconds and beyond on the Half Moon Bay buoy), there's a takeoff spot about 100 yards out beyond Maverick's proper. Few waves have been caught ...

In February 2006, an unknown 32-year-old South African surf shop manager stood on the sand at Pillar Point, a hop across the boneyard from Maverick’s. An incredulous Grant “Twiggy” Baker turned elated ...