South African Grant Baker Masters Maverick’s
by
Steve Hawk

Running a surf contest in Northern California is always a hit-and-miss proposition, bad weather and oversized swell are but two of the more disconcerting variables, so last week when Jeff Clark declared that the Maverick’s Contest was on for Tuesday, February 7th most accepted the news with a hint of reservation. But this morning, as a heaven-sent high-pressure system sat over Half Moon Bay and the dawn sun illuminated 20-foot lines of corduroy, it was obvious Clark’s call was anything but misguided. As one contest observer stated shortly after the awards ceremony, “These were far and away the best conditions that the contest has ever seen.”

With a beach crowded estimated by contest organizers to be in excess of 30,000 people, it appeared that half of the Bay Area had called in sick to come down and check out what’s been affectionately dubbed, “The Super Bowl of surfing.” And what a show they would see. With sets pushing the 20- to 25-foot mark and offshore winds blowing, from the opening horn to the final ride of the day spectators and competitors alike were treated to a truly unique day at California’s most infamous big-wave break.

Last year it was up-and-coming Anthony Tashnick’s turn to shine. In year’s prior Darryl “Flea” Virostko took advantage of Maverick’s center stage, furthering his already accomplished reputation in open water. Both would bow out in Round One. And even after making one of the heaviest drops of his life on a hissing, spitting lefthander that didn’t even appear ridable until he finally kicked out, Santa Cruz favorite Peter Mel would also bow out in the first round. The door swung wide open, but who would walk through?

Resident chargers Grant Washburn, Matt Ambrose and Tyler Smith, as well as Hawaii’s Brock Little and Southern California’s Evan Slater all made very serious bids for the Number One position. But this year was different; no favorite would win. It would be relative unknown South African Grant Baker that would maximize his opportunity. Gaining entrance to the event by virtue of winning an online vote, Baker flew halfway around the world with one thing on his mind. Racking up perfect 10s in both his Semifinal and Final heats, as Little stated after the awards were handed out, “He sat 10 yards out from everybody else and just waited. He charged…period.”

And so, under the best conditions in the event’s history, the Maverick’s Contest went off without a hitch. Grant Baker not only made $30,000 for the effort, but earned himself the recognition and respect of the worldwide big-wave riding community as well.

Results:
Grant Baker
Tyler Smith
Brock Little
Matt Ambrose
Grant Washburn
Evan Slater

Jay Moriarty Award:
Grant Baker

Clif Bar Greenroom Award:
Evan Slater

The Mavericks Surf Contest 2006
South Africa’s Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker Wins Big in the Big Stuff
words and photos Steve Wasylko

The rumors of the contest getting the ‘green light’ started at the end of last week. And with event forecasters predicting a good swell for the weekend with a bigger swell behind it all seemed right. With Northern California basking in 70-degree and relatively slack winds there was no doubt conditions would be epic for the big show. Mavericks came through and delivered, though the day was full of surprises.

As the press boat pulled out of the harbor the cliff was already covered with people. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many people on the cliff period, let alone at 7:30 in the morning. Everyone wanted a piece of the adrenalin. We motored out to the lineup in the media boat and arrived just as the horn blew. It was on. Talk immediately started as to who would win it. Flea, Tasi (Anthony Tashnick) and Shane Desmond were some of the names being thrown around. Only time would tell what was in store.

The early heats were plagued by some long lulls, making it hard for competitors to get waves. The first heat saw Desmond, Mike Gerhardt and Alex Martins go down. The second heat dropped Peter Mel and Tashnick out of the game and by the fourth heat Flea was gone as well after struggling to get good solid waves. Going into the semis it was obvious that the day was full of surprises. Surfers who were the favorites were sitting on the sidelines while some names not as well known had advanced. Grant “Twiggy” Baker, from South Africa and new to the contest this year, was charging super hard and taking off late and deep earning him a spot in the semis.

The crowd on the cliffs and beach swelled throughout the day. It was just unbelievable how many people were swarming over the area. It looked like a giant ant hill. Out in the water no less than 100 water craft, from huge fishing boats, to kayaks, to surfboards were all milling about trying not to run into each other. It was like water world out there.

The semis, full of thrills and spills, saw Josh Loya, Russell Smith and Zach Wormhoudt eliminated. With those three gone, the local domination was reduced, insuring for a fairly well rounded final heat. Tyler Smith, Grant Washburn and Matt Ambrose all from Northern Cal and Brock Little (HI), Evan Slater (So. Cal) and Twiggy (South Africa) were the surfers who advanced into the finals for a chance at the $30,000 prize for first place.

With 30 minutes between the semis and the finals, some free surfers jumped at the chance to nab a few in the only real downtime of the day. It just so happened that a good string of waves came through during this time, producing a few really nice rides with a spectacular free fall wipeout as our halftime show. Without a doubt, it beat the Rolling Stones’ display on Sunday.

The finals didn’t fail to entertain. Some nice waves ridden, a few good wipeouts, a wave runner eaten only to be saved the wrath of the rocks at the last second and even a call of “man overboard” as one of the many spectators took a nice unexpected swim after falling off the boat they were on. In the end, it was the surfer who traveled the furthest that won the event. Grant “Twiggy” Baker, all the way from South Africa, impressed everyone throughout the day, claimed the title as the new Mavericks champ and walked away with the $30,000, which is $185,000 in his local currency. One ride in particular sealed the deal for Twiggy: a large drop and angled mid-face turn allowed him to ride high and out run the massive torment of whitewater. Further along the wave doubled up and Twiggy went of the bottom and into a top carve that wouldn’t be matched. A perfect 10 and $30-thousand dollars, not bad for a days work in the blistering sun.