Ship Comes in For Tanker-Chasing Team

For five years, the tight-knit crew has quietly surfed tanker wakes -- an activity that required them to closely monitor the shipping schedule, along with wind speed and water depth. Any miscalculation, and their boat could be grounded, or overtaken by a crashing wave.

"This stuff took us years to figure out," said Fulbright, who has identified six premier tanker surfing spots, each one with its own name. "People still have no idea where we go or how we do it."