Surf’s up! Checking out the huge waves at Mavericks

It’s not often you get the chance to see a world-class surfing spot with real, honest-to-goodness big waves.

This is one of the best things about RV travel. You can find yourself in the right place at the right time.

We happened onto Mavericks , the famous surfing break near Half Moon Bay, Calif., just as a winter storm hit the coast of California. When surf’s up, a huge crowd shows up to watch the proceedings.

Mavericks is perhaps the most famous surfing spot on the West Coast. When conditions are right, 60-foot waves can form off of Pillar Point thanks to an unusual underwater rock feature that creates the wave.

It was the subject of a popular 2012 film, “Chasing Mavericks,” and is known to be one of the most dangerous breaks in the world, causing the deaths of several big-wave surfers who have come to test it over the years.

When Mavericks is raging, it’s a sight to behold. Thousands of people showed up to check out the surf and watch the action. In fact, the people-watching is the best part of Mavericks: San Mateo County sheriff’s deputies were busy trying handle the hordes climbing onto the bluffs of Pillar Point.

Meanwhile, the nearby Pillar Point RV Park was happening. And a little south, we found a nice spot at Half Moon Bay State Park , an excellent place to RV camp with a four-mile long beach.

Everyone’s attention is focused on the thundering surf. And it’s fun to be part of it.