Mavericks Volunteer Rescue

The Mavericks Rescue Team is a network of experienced PWC Rescue Boat Operators and spotters that serve the Mavericks and big wave surfing community by volunteering their time and equipment to provide a safety net over the line-up on all major swells.


The RBO's (rescue boat operator) responds to a wide variety of situations, ranging from life threatening and non-life threatening rescues and injuries, vessel assistance and crowd control. Although they place themselves and their skis in harms way they utilize the "Risk Managment" approach developed by the Hawaiian Water Patrol in order to provide maximum effectiveness and the safest approach and exit on each and every rescue.

All RBO's and spotters are highly trained in the most current heavy water environments and act as a first responder and a communication bridge with the local rescue agencies to make sure the appropriate medical care and evacuation are provided to an injured surfer or spectator if need be.  


Every winter in Northern California dozens of new surfers take up the challenge of the prestigious big-wave break. And with the surfers come the boats full of spectators. The line-up has tripled in the last few years and there is now, more than ever a need for more coverage. 



We have started a campaign to cover the cost of annual CPR, environmental and survival training for the Mavericks surfing community and equipment maintenance and repairs for the RBO volunteers. Wear and tear on the equipment can be expensive and the cost of a repair can be overwhelming. In order to be able do a rescue in the Mavericks arena you have to have a PWC that is top condition. 

Please consider a small donation.  Thank you.

The Mavericks Rescue Team is a network of experienced  independent PWC Rescue Boat Operators and spotters that serve the Mavericks and big wave surfing community by volunteering their time and equipment to provide a safety net over the line-up on all major swells OTHER  than the Mavericks Surf Contest.

The team is not associated with the Titans of Mavericks or the Mavericks Surf Contest. 

Donations will be audited by Big Wave Surfing Champion, Greg Long, Operation Surf's, Rob Oliveros, Surfer/Lifeguard Tyler Conroy and RBO, Matthew Cavaco.