Updated 2/11/2010 -
Today a vote was held by the 24 surfing contestants and the Mavericks Surf Contest will be held
February 13, 2010 in Half Moon Bay, CA
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The Mavericks Surf Contest is quickly becoming one of the better known and prestigious surfing competitions in the world...and it happens practically in my back yard. A number of things set it apart, it is one of the largest waves in the world that can be ridden by surfboard, it takes place a half mile off shore, it is only called when the conditions are perfect with only 24 hours notice and only 24 surfers are invited total. It gained extra notoriety in 1994 when famous big wave rider Mark Foo was killed surfing Mavericks. When the invited get the call, they drop whatever they're doing and head to Half Moon Bay California.
Because it takes place so far from shore, it isn't exactly an easy spectator event so people pay good money to get out on boats near the action (and presumably out of harms way) to see it up-close. Last year I was lucky enough to be granted a press pass to be on the photo boat all day. (notice there aren't any of my pictures in this post) The conditions weren't right and the contest was not held last year.
We're back in the official waiting period again this year and I am hoping to get that golden press pass again. I have been anxiously awaiting for well over a year for the season to roll in and I can't wait to get some shots. Fortunately they have already had some big waves roll through this year and I have my bug-out-bag loaded with batteries, granola bars, sea-sickness pills, warm hat, extra memory cards etc...
Since this post is dull without some picks, here's a couple I can't take credit for to whet your appetite:
With any luck, I'll have a few of my own to display in the coming months. If they're anything like these photos I'll be stoked!
