James Moriarity American surfer Date of Birth: 16.06.1978 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Surfing Beginnings
2. Surfing Competitions and Maverick's Training
3. Longboarding and Beyond
4. Fame and Inspiration
5. International Surfing and Other Pursuits
6. Tragic Passing

Early Life and Surfing Beginnings

Jay Moriarty, an American surfer from Santa Cruz, California, rose to international fame at the age of 16 with his appearance on the cover of Surfer magazine. Born in Georgia, he soon relocated to Santa Cruz, where his father's love of adventure instilled in him a passion for surfing. At the tender age of 8, Jay first stood on a board at Sewer Peak, riding bare-chested in just shorts and a t-shirt on a 7'0" Haut from the 1970s.

Surfing Competitions and Maverick's Training

By the age of 12, young Moriarty participated in the NSSA shortboarding contest at Pleasure Point, becoming the only child to successfully ride a wave twice his height, ultimately winning the competition. This triumph led to an encounter with seasoned local surfer Rick "Frosty" Hesson, who, as Mavericks began to be conquered in the Californian surfing scene, agreed to train Moriarty for the day he could conquer the giant wave. With unwavering determination, Jay embarked on an arduous regimen of mental and physical preparation under Hesson's guidance.

Longboarding and Beyond

Simultaneously, Moriarty earned a reputation as a skilled longboarder, defying the sneers of his shortboard-favoring peers. He also excelled as a swimmer, diver, and fisherman, and his easygoing nature eventually disarmed even his most adamant critics.

Fame and Inspiration

On December 19, 1994, a 16-year-old Jay Moriarty nearly lost his life while surfing the treacherous Mavericks but emerged victorious from a wipeout. He astounded onlookers with his impeccable technique and shocked the surfing community when he graced the cover of Surfer magazine, capturing the moment he hung ten feet above the water's surface—a feat considered unimaginable at the time. Despite the sudden fame, the unassuming youngster remained grounded, embracing the opportunity to share his vision of the world with a wider audience. The humble ocean-loving youth had become an instant icon.

International Surfing and Other Pursuits

At the behest of Moriarty's major sponsor, O'Neill, he joined Wingnut and fellow big-wave surfer Richard Schmidt as instructors at the O'Neill Surf Academy, touring eight European countries each summer, assisting approximately 50 aspiring young surfers weekly. Moriarty also indulged in motocross and skydiving, successfully completing over 100 jumps. He continued to slide down the face of Maverick's, displaying supernatural wave knowledge and control, eventually impressing Jeff Clark himself in the early 2000s, leading to Jay's selection as Clark's tow-in partner.

Tragic Passing

On June 15, one day before his 23rd birthday, Jay Moriarty drowned while free diving near Lohifushi Island in the Maldives, where he had been residing. He planned to reunite with his wife, Kim, whom he had been married to for less than a year, and commence his fourth season as a lead instructor at O'Neill Academy in Europe. On June 26, hundreds of well-wishers gathered at Pleasure Point to pay their respects as Kim scattered his ashes into the ocean.