Josh Loya, 37, Santa Cruz
Maverick’s results: Semifinalist 2006 Stature: 6-0, 172 Occupation: Pro surfer, boat pilot. At last word, Loya was without a major sponsor. As one of the most talented, fearless, and dignified surfers to emerge from Santa Cruz, sponsors should be lining up at his front door with offers. Maverick’s experience: Loya began surfing Maverick’s in 1992 along with Flea and Peter Mel soon after word broke about the spot. Notable: The stylish Westsider is many insiders’ sleeper pick. Coming off of an injury-plagued year, Loya is pumped about this year’s contest and ready to turn heads and show potential sponsors what their missing on their team. Loya has always been at the forefront of high-performance surfing in Santa Cruz, whether it’s ripping a head high day at The Lane or the legendary day during the El Nino winter when he caught a wave all the way from outside Swift St. through to Mitchell’s Cove. As a highly respected member of the Santa Cruz big-wave contingent, Loya is a perennial invitee to the Maverick’s contest. What sets him apart from the rest of the field is his style. While many Mav’s surfers tend to squat stiff-legged and flail their arms in awkward positions as they struggle for balance during a late drop, nine times out of 10 Loya will gracefully ease into his drop like butter. Proving that he is just as talented in the small stuff, Loya also made it to the finals of this year’s Cold Water Classic.
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