In 2001 a storm called "Storm 15" in the Gulf of Alaska and a high pressure ridge over California came together to create huge swells but light wind over the bank. A team of surfers went out on the F/V Pacific Quest from San Diego, with big-wave tow surfers Ken Collins, Peter Mel, Brad Gerlach and Mike Parsons, plus paddle-surfers Evan Slater and John Walla.
In 2001 a tempest called "Storm 15" in the Gulf of Alaska and a high-pressure system over California converged to produce enormous swells but light winds offshore. A group of surfers embarked on the F/V Pacific Quest from San Diego, featuring big-wave tow surfers Ken Collins, Peter Mel, Brad Gerlach, and Mike Parsons, along with paddle-surfers Evan Slater and John Walla.