Big Wave News

Mavericks Lights Up for Opening Day!

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 8 October, 2008 : - - Garrett McNamara and Eric Akiskalian of Towsurfer.com had been watching the swell models all week.The swell forecast was aconsistent 15'-18' at 12 to 13 seconds out of the NW. The storm generated close to the coast, which usually causes lowintervals and bad winds.It was a 50/50 chance but both were confident it would be good.

Garrett was already in California on business, so it was an easy decision to head upthe coast with Eric at the very last minute. At 1:00 a.m., they hit the road fullyloaded with skis, paddle boards and even a SUP. 

After driving all night they finally arrived in Half Moon Bay to very small and stormy conditions. They knew that the swell would arrive in a few hours and until then it wassiesta time.They woke up at 1:00 p.m. and the swell was on the rise. To start it off, Garrett andEric towed into a few nuggets and with no one around. 

Garrett even towed his younger brother Mike intoa fewwaves.Those were the first waves of the seasonand it was truly a magical moment! The swell was cracking solid 15' to 18', with even a few bigger waves that managed to get away.

A short while later the first paddler finally came out and it was on. Garrett and Eric grabbed their traditional boards andjoined the line-up that was soon filled with local surfers such asGrant Washburn, Ben Andrews, John Bowling, Mark Sponsler, Randy Cone, Lance Harriman, Mark Alfaro, Jeff Clever, Jeff Harrison, August Hidalgo, "Big Wave Dave" Barnett, Christy Davis, John Raymond, Alex Martins, Colin Brown, Haley Fiske and a few others.

Still strugglingwith having to wear afull suit, Garrett some how managed to get the wave of the day! "Last years season opener consisted of surfers from all over the world and this year it was mostly all locals. Over all, it was an insane trip and after looking at the recent forecast for the NW models, the Northern Hemisphere is lighting up and I can't wait to see what Mother Nature delivers next!"- Garrett McNamara.

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Eric Akiskalian

Big Wave - Surfersvillage