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GhostFingers · NorCal Bay Area · Half Moon Bay

Mavericks

Big-wave reef off Pillar Point in Half Moon Bay. The shelf jacks long-period northwest groundswell from deepwater into a single right-hand peak, and a left on the right swells. Breaks on a narrow window: serious size, serious period, calm wind.

Half Moon Bay Famous spot

Spot intel

Parking

Free dirt lot at Pillar Point Harbor and a paved lot off Westpoint Avenue. The walk out to the bluff over the wave is about half a mile on a public trail. The wave itself is a long paddle from the harbor channel or a ski tow from the inside.

Crowd

A small, vetted crew on the days it breaks. Lineup runs at big-wave level. The wave is not a paddle-up. Boats, skis, and photographers pack the channel.

Beginner-friendly?

No.

Big-wave reef with a hold-down zone of rocks, kelp, and current. Wave-of-consequence territory. Not a beginner wave on any swell.

Famous for

Mavericks at Pillar Point in Half Moon Bay. The biggest wave on the California coast. A deep-water cold-water big-wave reef break that holds 30-to-60-foot faces and has hosted invite-only big-wave events since 1999.

Lineup etiquette

Big-wave priority. The deepest rider on the peak has the wave; the channel is for the channel. Hassling or dropping in is the standard call-out and gets you off the wave permanently.

When it's on

Long-period northwest groundswell at serious size with light offshore wind from the east. Mid-tide window. The wave is a winter wave. The swell window closes through summer.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
37.4917, -122.5042
Shore faces
W
Region
Half Moon Bay, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Mavericks?
Mavericks works best on a WNW to NW swell.
How big does Mavericks need to be?
Mavericks is best in the 12-30ft range on a 16-22s period.
What are the best conditions at Mavericks?
Light or offshore wind under about 12 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
Where is Mavericks?
Mavericks is a big-wave reef in Half Moon Bay, California. The beach faces W.
Does GhostFingers forecast Mavericks?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Mavericks with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, summer 2026.

New to reading a forecast? Start here.

Launching summer 2026.

Six-tier verdicts for every California break, calibrated to swell, period, direction, tide, and wind.

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