Flea Virostko’s horrendous leap, Eddie 2004. Photo: Joli

Do you like your big wave surfers to be the calculated, super fit, professional type? or the other kind? Flea is the other kind. A three time winner of the Maverick’s comp, and hero/victim of one of the most photogenic wipeouts of all time in the 2004 Eddie, Flea was part of a West Side Santa Cruz movement that featured outlandish pro surfers with animal nicknames who charge hard, and unfortunately as it would come to light, party equally as hard. Diminutive in stature and struggling with chronic asthma, Flea nevertheless has been a standout at Maverick’s pretty much since its unveiling to the world in the 90’s. After battling with meth and alcohol addictions, Flea now runs a rehab program in Santa Cruz called Fleahab.