Video courtesy of Powerlines Productions. For more go to www.mavz.com
Photo: Bob Barbour
In a dozen short years, from the first time he paddled a surfboard out at Santa Cruz until his untimely death from a free-diving accident in the Maldives, Jay Moriarty earned a reputation in the sport that will prevail indefinitely. His much-heralded big-wave exploits and longboard expertise only dabble the first few brushstrokes of a life lived as a masterpiece. In an earlier era, Moriarty would have been just one of the boys, but to contrast his waterman’s spirit with that of other modern professional surfers, his clear vision offers a much-needed dose of fresh air. His infectious smile and sense of humility defined him, and in death they continue to spread out from his Northern California playground to each corner of the world.
Born in Georgia, James Michael Moriarty soon relocated to Santa Cruz. His father Doug, and Airborne Ranger, instilled in the young lad a sense for adventure and introduced him to surfing as an 11-year-old tike at Sewer Peak. According to Jay, “When I started I didn’t have a wetsuit. I just had shorts and a t-shirt that I wore. And I had a 7’0″ Haut, a little pintail, like a three-inch-thick ’70s board. I was unequipped and clueless but I didn’t give a shit. It was just so much fun.”… to read the full story go toSurfline.com
About Jay
Jay Moriarity (June 16, 1978-June 15, 2001)
Video courtesy of Powerlines Productions. For more go to www.mavz.com
Photo: Bob Barbour
In a dozen short years, from the first time he paddled a surfboard out at Santa Cruz until his untimely death from a free-diving accident in the Maldives, Jay Moriarty earned a reputation in the sport that will prevail indefinitely. His much-heralded big-wave exploits and longboard expertise only dabble the first few brushstrokes of a life lived as a masterpiece. In an earlier era, Moriarty would have been just one of the boys, but to contrast his waterman’s spirit with that of other modern professional surfers, his clear vision offers a much-needed dose of fresh air. His infectious smile and sense of humility defined him, and in death they continue to spread out from his Northern California playground to each corner of the world.
Born in Georgia, James Michael Moriarty soon relocated to Santa Cruz. His father Doug, and Airborne Ranger, instilled in the young lad a sense for adventure and introduced him to surfing as an 11-year-old tike at Sewer Peak. According to Jay, “When I started I didn’t have a wetsuit. I just had shorts and a t-shirt that I wore. And I had a 7’0″ Haut, a little pintail, like a three-inch-thick ’70s board. I was unequipped and clueless but I didn’t give a shit. It was just so much fun.”… to read the full story go to Surfline.com