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Maverick's

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With its massive faces, punishing rocks, and treacherous currents, Maverick's presents a surfing challenge like no other. Author Matt Warshaw has updated his critically acclaimed illustrated history of Maverick's to cover important recent developments, and we've added a fresh new cover to kick this edition off in style. "A fascinating account," to quote Surfer magazine, it takes "a cue from Sebastian Junger's The Perfect Storm ...Warshaw focused on a single event...and expands on it to illuminate an entire culture and its world beyond waves." The event was the death of celebrated surfer Mark Foo, one of those who congregate every winter to test themselves in the dark, foreboding waters. And what unfolds in Maverick's is no less than the story of big-wave surfing, from its ancient Hawaiian origins to modern tow-in riders. It's a book to be enjoyed not only by those who surf deep in the waves, but also by those whose taste for adventure is satisfied deep in the pages of a very good book.

232 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2000

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About the author

Matt Warshaw

15 books12 followers
Matt Warshaw is a former professional surfer, former writer and editor at Surfer magazine (1984-1990), and the author of dozens of feature articles and large-format books on surfing culture and history.
Warshaw currently curates the online Encyclopedia of Surfing and History of Surfing, each website based on expanded material from the archives assembled for their print companions. He has 1 child.

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5 stars
28 (41%)
4 stars
25 (37%)
3 stars
13 (19%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
438 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2022
Anyone looking for the ultimate book on big waves, look no further. The combination of breathtaking photography, beautifully reproduced, and thorough reporting on the history of big waves can't be beat. The photo of Flea on the cover has got to be the scariest surf photo ever.
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85 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2025
Incredibly written and full of history and the culture of surf. This book discusses Jay Moriarity, whom the movie Chasing Mavericks is about. Includes photos and I appreciate the accuracy in dialogue concerning Polynesian and Hawai'ian history
Profile Image for Jeff Steiner.
33 reviews
November 17, 2024
Similar content to a lot of surf books but a nice recounting of the development of big wave surfing.
134 reviews4 followers
December 21, 2009
Like many books - it was a 7 out of 10, not 8. But no 3.5 choice, so I give the benefit as it is cool...
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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