Titans of Mavericks › Competitors

Santa Cruz, CA

2016

At 14 years old, Nic Lamb became one of the youngest surfers to ever charge Mavericks. In 2014, he was one of the youngest competitors in the event. The Santa Cruz native as grown up with Mavericks just around the corner which has given him experience and practice in surfing waves of consequence.

Peter Mel

Santa Cruz, CA

2013

Mel, who grew up in Santa Cruz as a protege of the great David Schmidt and comes from one of Northern California's most distinguished surfing families took the well deserved win in 2013 against unfavored conditions, however his long rooted history establishing himself as a premier big wave pioneer of Mavericks since 1998 was the true celebration that year. Peter is one of the most respected surfers and figure heads of big wave surfing. He has given so much to the sport and continues his passion as commissioner of the ASP.

Chris Bertish

Cape Town, South Africa

2010

South African big wave surfer won the title in 2010 with unbelievably large surf. Some say the biggest they’ve ever seen it. His skills as a true waterman gave Chris the edge and footing to take the title in 2010. His win in the heaviest waves ever recorded in the history of the sport has given Chris a special spot in the history of Mavericks. He continues to be a force in the line up around the world, and has turned to public speaking and is inspiring others to connect to the ocean daily.

Greg Long

San Clemente, CA

2008

Raised in San Clemente, California, by a beach-enthusiast mother and a lifeguard father who started taking his kids out on the front of his surfboard before they knew how to swim. Long started surfing at ten years old. He fell in love with the excitement and challenge of big-wave surfing. Only to become one of the key competitors in big wave surfing, but won the title of Mavericks in 2008. Greg Long’s health conscious efforts and physical preparedness gives way to his athletic edge as a force within the Mavericks event. He continues to charge Mavericks and compete among the best of them.

Grant Baker

Durban, South Africa

2006, 2014

Winner of the 2006 and 2014 contest, South African Grant Twiggy Baker has set the bar high. He has a knack for putting himself as deep as possible and still outriding the competition. His wave selection and aggressive approach and technical ability gives him a favorable edge. His equipment is creative and his style is energetic. Baker is a constant factor at Mavericks and will continue to be a force well into the future.

Anthony Tashnick

Santa Cruz, CA

2005

Born and Raised in Santa Cruz California, Anthony grew up surfing world class waves. At 16 he was the second youngest to ever paddle into Mavericks. He immediately gained acceptance and at 20 years old in 2005, he was the youngest to ever win the event. He continues to be a viable competitor on the big wave world tour and is a favorite amount the Mavericks competitors to always be the one to watch.

Darryl “Flea” Virostko

Santa Cruz, CA

1999, 2000, 2004

Winner in 1999, 2000, and 2004 gives Darryl “Flea” Virostko the only reigning 3 time champion title. Flea was one of the most influential competitors in Mavericks history. His fearless commitment and unmatched skill set lifts him above the rest to make him one of the all time Titans. Now retired from big wave surfing, Flea's continued contribution to Mavericks is being one the new active Committee 5 members, as well as running his rehab facility (fleahab) in Santa Cruz, CA.