SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — They call it the most dangerous wave in California and for good reason. It’s already taken the lives of some of the greatest surfers on earth.
But not on this day.
On this day, La Jolla Big Wave Surfer Jojo Roper conquered the giant, paddling into a 50-foot monster they call Mavericks on Half Moon Bay.
“It’s a pretty scary wave. Any big wave surfer will testify on that one. I’m very scared of that wave, everybody is,” said surfer Jojo Roper.
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In the world of competitive surfing, the big wave is the big enchilada. Nothing even comes close to riding giants.
For those who dare, the danger is real. For those who conquer, the rewards are huge.
San Diego native Jojo Roper is now reaping those rewards, taking home the 2024 trophy for Paddle-In Wave of The Year.
“I knew it was a big wave. When I rode the wave, the wave was really critical and I almost fell a handful of times. The adrenaline dump was pretty heavy, and I knew it was a crazy one, but I didn’t know exactly what it was to be honest,” Roper said about the 50-foot wave he rode to win the Paddle-In Wave of The Year award.