Jamie Sterling Lives Like Jay
There’s no disputing that the North Shore’s Jamie Sterling has a enjoyed a winter full of gigantic waves. The only hitch, until recently, none of the swells he chased were in Hawaii. Rather the West Coast has transformed into a legitimate destination for adrenaline junkies. In early January, Sterling, along with former Red Bull Big Wave Africa winner Greg Long, Hawaiian compatriot Mark Healey, as well as several others, chased the same swell from Hawaii to Maverick’s, then to the formidable Ghost Tree just a few clicks down the coast, and finally ending up in Mexico at massive Todos Santos. But that was just the start of things to come.
A few weeks later the call came in: The Maverick’s Contest was on, and
by all accounts it would be ridiculously large. Again, Long and
Sterling made the move to Maverick’s. After a full day of charging 15-
to 18-foot bombs the two long-time friends found themselves in the
final together. While Long would go on to claim the top spot on the
podium, in the spirit of big-wave camaraderie, the prize money was
split evenly between all six finalists.
After dominating his first two heats Sterling would finish the day in third. But maybe more importantly, and telling, Sterling’s dedication to the big-wave pursuit was recognized when he won the Jay Moriarity Award for the spirit best exemplifying the late, great Santa Cruz surfer. And now, as things in Hawaii are finally getting back to their normal, sizable selves, Sterling can head for home…and some warm water.
After dominating his first two heats Sterling would finish the day in third. But maybe more importantly, and telling, Sterling’s dedication to the big-wave pursuit was recognized when he won the Jay Moriarity Award for the spirit best exemplifying the late, great Santa Cruz surfer. And now, as things in Hawaii are finally getting back to their normal, sizable selves, Sterling can head for home…and some warm water.
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