The 2024-25 winter season at Maverick’s kicked off in dramatic fashion on November 12, as a mix of intense swells and jaw-dropping cinematography captured the day’s action. The highlight reel, compiled by renowned videographer Tucker Wooding, showcases a series of stunning waves and epic wipeouts, underscoring the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of the famed big-wave spot.
Wooding’s expertly crafted video captures the full range of Maverick’s raw energy—from cinematic drone shots of Wilem Banks’ daring airdrop to the harrowing moments in the rocky “boneyard” that await any surfer who fails to navigate the waves properly. The footage provides a powerful reminder of the high stakes at Maverick’s, where one misstep can quickly turn into a dangerous situation.
The swell on Tuesday morning, measured at 11.2 feet with a 17-second westward interval, saw limited action early on, with the conditions becoming more favorable later in the afternoon as the tide dropped. That’s when the real action began, with surfers taking on monster waves and facing the inevitable beatdowns that come with Maverick’s formidable surf.
Wooding, known for his exceptional drone work at big-wave venues worldwide, has previously captured some of the sport’s most notable moments, including Soli Bailey’s perfect ride at Cloudbreak in spring 2024. During the Northern Hemisphere winter, Wooding often films from Maui’s Jaws before heading to Maverick’s to capture waves in California. His dedication and passion for the craft were recently recognized when he was awarded Videographer of the Year at the 2024 SURFER Big Wave Challenge in Nazaré.
The video also features stunning cinematography from Jamy Donaldson, Kyle Hulse, and Curt Myers of Powerlines Productions. Together, they document some of the best—and most challenging—moments from Maverick’s opening day. Among the standout performances, Luca Padua displayed impressive survival skills as he managed to ride out of an avalanche, while Santa Cruz’s Wilem Banks delivered a standout performance from the apex. Alo Slebir also had several solid rides throughout the session.
The video also shines a spotlight on 18-year-old Half Moon Bay local Zoe Chait, who, fresh from her appearance at the Qualifying Series event in Puerto Rico, grabbed a gun and executed a flawless roll-in, adding to the day’s memorable moments.
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