Half Moon Bay, CA — December 23rd at Mavericks will be remembered as a day that tested the limits of big-wave surfing, as one of the largest swells in recorded North Pacific history rolled into the iconic break. Conditions were challenging yet rideable, attracting a team of seasoned surfers who seized the opportunity to tackle waves of unprecedented size.
Among the standout performances was that of Alo Slebir, who, according to fellow surfer Luca Padua, may have ridden the biggest wave ever at Mavericks. “Alo got the biggest wave ever ridden out at Mavs,” Padua said. “To me, it looks like a 70-foot wave. No one else could have taken a wave of that magnitude.” Several others were also in the 60-foot range, but Slebir’s wave was clearly the highlight.
Padua, who was on the tow team for much of the day, described the session as a “dream come true.” “Mavericks on December 23rd was a day for the books,” he shared. “One of the biggest swells in recorded NPAC history, perfect conditions, and an eager crew of big-wave riders made for a lifetime day in Half Moon Bay.” Padua towed Slebir into several massive waves, with the two pushing each other to new limits. “We didn’t break for more than five minutes from sun up to sundown, and almost ran out of gas by the end,” he added. “It was a day we dreamed of as kids, and riding waves of that magnitude with some of the best surfers in the world was a privilege.”
Jojo Roper, another prominent big-wave surfer, echoed the sentiment, calling the day “the biggest, craziest waves” he had ever seen. “There were heavy, deep-water bombs with big south wind chop making it tricky,” Roper recalled. “I think we all rode the biggest waves of our lives and came home safe.” Roper teamed up with John Mel, who whipped him into one of the largest waves of the session. “Amazing day, to say the least. Scary as scary gets,” he said. “But we wanted them… I think.”
Despite the extreme conditions, every surfer made it safely back to shore, reflecting on a day that pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in big-wave surfing. “It was definitely a special day,” said one observer. “Like Jojo said, I’ve never seen anything like it.” Though not labeled as a “once-in-a-lifetime” session, December 23rd’s Mavericks swell will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most intense and exhilarating days at the legendary break.
As the surfers gathered to share their stories, it was clear that the session was one for the record books—challenging, dangerous, and unforgettable.