The spotlight of big-wave surfing shines on the surfer – the one riding the giant wave, getting all the glory, the social media double-taps, and the name recognition.
But behind that surfer is a team of people who made that wave happen. They’re the unsung heroes of the big-wave realm, running logistics, driving the jetski and, most importantly, watching the surfers like a hawk and putting their lives on the line when sh*t hits the fan.
Recently, safety crews have become an essential part of the big wave equation. Without them, the surfers wouldn’t be able to do what they do. At least not safely.
One crew, in particular, is the Mavericks Rescue Team – a group of trained water professionals in the lineup at California’s premier big-wave venue, armed with jetskis, lifesaving protocols, and a selfless disposition for ensuring everyone comes back to shore safely.
However, these heroes are unpaid; and so, they’re seeking donations to help them on their lifesaving crusade.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help support the crew. The description reads as following:
“The Mavericks Volunteer Rescue Team is an amazing group dedicated to ensuring the safety of Mavericks and the local coastal community. The safety team comprises a group of experienced Big Wave Rescue Boat Operators (Jetski), Lifeguards, medics, and cliff spotters. They provide a safety net over the Mavericks line-up and the North Coast on all significant swells and volunteer ocean-related events. The team responds to various S.A.R. (search and rescue) situations, including life-threatening and non-life-threatening rescues and injuries, vessel assistance, shark patrol, and crowd control. Despite putting themselves and their equipment in danger, they are all well-trained and apply the risk management technique of lifesaving.
“The Mavericks Rescue Team volunteers their time freely every winter season. It continues to train with some of the best safety teams on the planet, including The U.S. Coast Guard, Cal Fire, Pillar Point Harbor Patrol, B.W.R.A.G. (Big Wave Risk Assessment Group), The Hawaiin Water Patrol, and K38, among others. They are some of the most skilled watermen on the planet who look over the North Coast.
“But it doesn’t end there; They use social media to alert the public on incoming swell events, and they host an annual safety summit in the Half Moon Bay area, gathering safety professionals from up and down the West Coast to help educate the general public on the hazards of the ocean here on the North Coast and how to prepare yourself to stay safe. The team’s efforts to visit and educate the local elementary and high schools on ocean safety are invaluable.
“This 2023/24 El Nino season has already been hectic. The team has logged in countless hours since October. The equipment takes a beating, and they must take time off their regular jobs to cover swells.
“If you want to support our cause, please consider donating to purchase and maintain new and current equipment. Thank you so much!
“Current needs for a potential partnership –
New or almost new Personal Watercraft w/trailer
Tow Vehicle (new or used)
Double Trailer parts”
Show your support by donating to the GoFundMe account here.
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