HALF MOON BAY, Calif. — A South African who scored perfect 10s navigating near 40-foot waves won the Mavericks surf contest yesterday, besting California riders in an event many refer to as "the Super Bowl of surfing."

Grant "Twiggy" Baker, 32, of Durbin, South Africa, entered the contest as a special add on. Online voters decided that he deserved a crack at the big waves — and he responded by scoring a 10 on two rides in front of thousands of onlookers.

"I never thought this was possible," Baker said after winning $30,000 and a trophy. "For someone from South Africa, this is an impossible dream."

Tyler Smith of Santa Cruz placed second and won $10,000, and Hawai'i's Brock Little took third and earned $5,000.

Baker's first perfect score from the judges came in the third heat of round one. Baker deftly sliced down a large wave, and then stylishly steered clear of the crush of whitewater that followed him close behind.

Three-time Mavericks winner Darryl "Flea" Virostko and defending champion Anthony Tashnick were eliminated in the first round.

Little, a California-born surfer now living on O'ahu's North Shore, was in serious contention throughout the day. In the first semifinal he carved his way down an extremely steep wave face, and finally shot clear of the powerful wind and whitewater.

But in the end, it was Baker brushing aside any hesitation as he propelled himself down wave after wave.

"It's a powerful wave," Baker said. "It's a crazy wave."