Derek Zoolander may have won multiple Male Model of the Year awards on the strength of his “Blue Steel” gaze, but he’s all wet compared to real-life male model Nic Lamb. The photogenic surfer won the 2016 Titans of Mavericks big wave competition on Friday, and headed into the weekend $30,000 richer.
Joining Lamb on the podium were Travis Payne of Pacifica, California, who finished second, and former champion Greg Long of Santa Cruz, who came in third. Long also won recognition (and $10,000) for the “Boldest Drop”, while Australia’s James Mitchell claimed $5,000 for riding the “Best Barrel”.
WA-WA-WA-WIPEOUT
Lamb endured a huge wipeout in the final round, but nothing to compare with Ken “Skindog” Collins’ earlier tumble. Collins was kept underwater for more than two minutes by the giant waves and needed to deploy his emergency life vest to resurface.
''I blew my eardrum wide open. My equilibrium was going all directions. I didn't know which way was up. If I didn't have this vest and pull that cord, I would have had a hard time getting to the top.''
LAMB CHOPS
Growing up just a stone’s throw away from Mavericks, Lamb honed his surfing skills on the waves breaking off the coast of Santa Cruz, California. He moved to Southern California to pursue greater acting and modeling opportunities, but still considers himself a NorCal boy at heart.
MAVERICKS MYSTIQUE
The mystique of the Mavericks big wave surfing competition has grown year by year, since its inception in 1999. The invitation-only event is held on short notice only when the wave conditions are favorable.
Named after a water-loving white-haired German Shepherd, the giant-sized waves at Mavericks are formed by long underwater ramp leading to a point two miles off the shore of Pillar Point Harbor, California.
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