Unlike the oceanic behemoths he bombs, Johnny’s a gentle giant.
Supporters: Matuse, Reef, Rusty Surfboards, Sector 9, Nixon
Johnny Maher rushes. Warm or cold, with friends or by his lonesome, he will charge. The waves he rides are unruly; yet, Johnny’s one of the most polite, genuine and honest people you’ll meet. “Good over Evil. Be cool to each other,” Johnny always says. A La Jolla native, Johnny’s heroes include Butch Van Artsdalen, Tony Hawk, Da Bull, Pat Curren, Fred Vandyke, Thomas Blake, Buffalo, Da Cat, Mike Hynson, and The Duke.
Johnny is childhood friends/tow-partners with Derek Dunfee. Like Derek, Johnny is also a Tavarua boatman. In 2007, the duo was invited to the prestigious Nelscott Reef Tow-in Classic in Oregon. Since then, both Johnny and Derek have continued to turn heads and further solidify their place in the big wave scene.
When he’s not jetting to big wave locales, Johnny can be found at Windansea with fellow Matuse Family Members Mike Stuart and the Brothers Dunfee. This being said, he’s just as likely to wander off someplace to strum his guitar or delve into some light reading. “The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand,” Johnny extols, “it teaches you to think for yourself, be your own leader.”
He has the nickname of “Monster” – for his solid,
Mastodon-like physical make-up. However, unlike the
oceanic behemoths he bombs, Johnny’s a gentle giant.
