The Maverick’s parking lot is packed despite the darkness. Long, pointy boards stick out of pick-ups and sit atop small cars. People huddle in threes and fours to discuss the Giants’ World Series win and the buoy readings. It’s big out front, but the northern buoys are giant — 19 feet at 21 seconds — and heading our way. We sip coffee and hold our hands vertically to gauge the wind. A strong northwest breeze has risen overnight, a variable that will play a major role today. When the morning’s first light makes the tops of the eastern hills glow, we suit up.

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