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 powerful storm called "Storm 15" in the Gulf of Alaska and a high-pressure system above California interacted to produce massive swells but light winds offshore. A group of experienced surfers, including notable big-wave riders Ken Collins, Peter Mel, Brad Gerlach, and Mike Parsons, set out from San Diego on the F/V Pacific Quest, accompanied by paddle-surfers Evan Slater and John Walla.