Evan Slater, Brock Little, Grant Baker, Tyler Smith, Greg Long, Mavericks 2006

By October 4, 2012December 31st, 2023California, Surf

Tonight I received a request for a shot of Evan Slater at Mavericks, for use in an upcoming documentary series on big wave surfing. Looking over some of the shots I made that day, at the Mavericks Contest in 2006, I was struck by how perfect the conditions were. For a section of the California coast not known for calm seas, it sure was ideal that day: warm, sunny, almost glass calm with a heavy long period swell rolling through creating some really big waves. The morning’s sets were the biggest, and the press boat upon which I was shooting got out in position early when the light still had some of that sunrise yellow color to it. It was a great day. Here is a nice shot of Evan Slater from that day …

Evan Slater in semifinal one, Slater would finish fifth in the finals later in the day, Mavericks surf contest, February 7, 2006, Half Moon Bay, California

Evan Slater in semifinal one, Slater would finish fifth in the finals later in the day, Mavericks surf contest, February 7, 2006.
Image ID: 15324
Location: Mavericks, Half Moon Bay, California, USA

… as well as a few other men who ride mountains: Brock Little, Grant Baker, Tyler Smith and Greg Long …

2006 Mavericks surf contest champion Grant Twiggy Baker of South Africa. Final round, Mavericks surf contest, February 7, 2006, Half Moon Bay, California

2006 Mavericks surf contest champion Grant Twiggy Baker of South Africa. Final round, Mavericks surf contest, February 7, 2006.
Image ID: 15299
Location: Mavericks, Half Moon Bay, California, USA

Brock Little, final round, Mavericks surf contest (third place), February 7, 2006, Half Moon Bay, California

Brock Little, final round, Mavericks surf contest (third place), February 7, 2006.
Image ID: 15300
Location: Mavericks, Half Moon Bay, California, USA

Tyler Smith, final round, Mavericks surf contest (second place), February 7, 2006, Half Moon Bay, California

Tyler Smith, final round, Mavericks surf contest (second place), February 7, 2006.
Image ID: 15301
Location: Mavericks, Half Moon Bay, California, USA

Greg Long of San Clemente surfs a heat one wave at the 2006 Mavericks surf contest, February 7, 2006, Half Moon Bay, California

Greg Long of San Clemente surfs a heat one wave at the 2006 Mavericks surf contest, February 7, 2006.
Image ID: 15306
Location: Mavericks, Half Moon Bay, California, USA

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!