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Written by rsholin
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Darryl “Flea” Virostko, 35, Santa Cruz
Stature: 5-10, 150
Maverick’s results: Three-time champion: 1999, 2000, 2004
Occupation: Pro surfer
Sponsors: Rusty, Oakley, DVS, Hotline.
Notable: From two feet to 20, it’s all good for Flea. Whether punting huge aerials at a north coast beachbreak, pulling into sandsucking barrels at the Harbormouth, or dropping down the face of a hideous 50 foot Maverick’s close-out set, Flea is comfortable in any situation the ocean can conjure up. A hat trick winner the first three years of the event, it appeared as though Virostko was unbeatable out at Mav’s. Since the ‘Flea-peat’ however, Virostko’s fortunes at the Mav’s contest have waned. After taking one of the most horrific wipeouts in history at the 2005 Eddie, Flea’s knee was tweaked so bad he was prevented from competing in the Mav’s event the same winter. Watching fellow Westsider Tashnick keep the title in Santa Cruz helped to slightly ease the pain of having to sit out. Most figured Flea would be back with a vengeance in 2006, but he ended up getting knocked out in an opening round heat that was so stacked with talent it looked more like a final. Flea’s results in the past two events have been below his standards, and the smart money says he should comeback in a big way in '07.
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