Memorial 'Pohaku' stones honor departed of Mavericks
Memorial stones : photo Shawn Alladio
Blessed Are The Flowers Of The Sea: Mahalo to Pohaku
Memorial stones were set before the advent of the 2007-08 Mavericks Surf Contest at the end or the beginning of the foot path out to the headlans of the point, depending upon where one would consider a beginning and an end to meet.
4 Cornerstones are anchored with a center stone reading in Hawai'ian "Blessed Are the Flowers Of The Sea", as you walk from the parking lot towards the ocean, this is the center greeting. Two flat front granite stones offer a sitting area for meditation, and to feel the crisp wind moving off the headlands into the harbor, with the compression of outside waves if the ocean is fully engaged and alive.
Upon the return from the visit of Mother Ocean and the outside break "Mavericks" you will meet the Center stone with the name of 'FOO' in the center. Mark Foo a Hawai'ian surfer drowned at the infamous surf break in the mid 90's during a big wave paddle surfing session with Ken Bradshaw.
It was when Mavericks was beginning to hit its stride with not only media curiosity but the lure of big wave surfers generated a pivotal point in how the world showcased big wave surfing. Soon the world would catch the wave and not let go. The remaining two background Pohakus respectively bear the namesakes of Peter 'DAVI' and "Jay" Moriarity a favorite son of all, and a spirit of light and good.
The Pohakus were set before the 2007 Mavericks Surf Contest was held, appropriately during the big wave season and after the untimely drowning of Peter Davi at Ghost Tree in Carmel. All three watermen had surfed at Mavericks during various periods in life and each had a personal connection to the ocean.
Jay Moriarity's
namesake has become an icon referencing "LIVE LIKE JAY". His wife, Kim,
began the Jay Moriarity Foundation to support community service projects
dear to the surfing lifestyle she and her husband enjoyed so much. Jay was
the favorite son of Mavericks, he shone a light that has dimmed and cast a
shadow over the loss of his gentle spirit and magical blue eyes. His smile
alone healed those near him, 'Never Forget Jay'.
It is with great respect these Pohakus were placed to keep the memory alive
of these men who were so connected to the ocean's dance. As people leave
the shore from the salt marsh, the somber harbor and the protective
headland, many leave memorial reminders left bearing sea shells, rocks and
kelp as a tribute to theses lives lived and the men who bore the names
etched on volcanic stones. Some may not even know their story, but the
stones still speak.
The Pohakus are set like a compass heading, showing the way back home from a
long journey much enjoyed. Mahalo and Aloha