Mavericks Big Wave Surfing Contest is on for Sunday
The Mavericks surf contest has come back to life. Organizers announced today (Jan. 16) that the event, plagued by poor surf, a lack of sponsorship and political infighting over the years, will be held Sunday morning at the famed break off Half Moon Bay, with an 8 a.m. start.
It’s a gamble to make the “go” call with so many days to spare, but there are several reasons behind it. The surf, weather, wind and tides are lined up in harmony for Sunday, almost guaranteeing excellent conditions. Other big-wave events are potentially in play — the Nelscott Reef contest in Oregon, the Eddie Aikau event at Hawaii’s Waimea Bay and a new paddle-in contest at “Jaws” on Maui — and the Mavericks people felt a decisive move would give them the edge for a weekend call. (The Nelscott organizers have politely backed off, and it appears that contrary winds will rule out any action in Hawaii.)
More than anything, though, the Mavericks contest needs to be held. It was last staged in February of 2010, and the last two winters passed quietly, with only a few days of quality big-wave surf and more than a little chaos within the Mavericks infrastructure. It appears that everything is in place now, including two major sponsors in Go Pro and Sierra Nevada, and sources say the event’s committee structure hasn’t been this organized or smooth-flowing in years.
More: Mavericks Contest on for Sunday
Kelly Slater is one of the participants in this year’s event. Go to the Official Contest site for lots more info and a live stream of the event on Sunday, Jan. 20th.