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For those of you new to the Bay Area, visiting San Francisco, or just living under a rock, there happens to be one of the world’s premier surfing spots just 10 miles south in Half Moon Bay. Chronicled in the movie “Riding Giants”, as well as many other surf movies, Mavericks is one of the largest, most dangerous waves that can be paddled into.
For more information about the wave, there is an excellent description onSurfline’s website.
* As waves get larger they move faster, so there is a limit to how fast a surfer can paddle.The wave is probably most famous among the non-surfing world through its role in movies and the death in 1994 of a world famous surfer, Mark Foo. Reaching heights of 50 feet and breaking near monstrous rocks, the wave is a test of not only strength and skill, but courage. With water temperatures under 50 degrees, fog, strong currents and sharks swimming underneath, this is an area that demands respect.
The competition was first held in 1999 under the direction of Quiksilver and transformed Mavericks from a little-known surf break to international phenomenon. The contest depends on mother nature, and is not even guaranteed to happen. There is a window of opportunity from November through March in which the 24 surfers that are chosen to compete will vote whether to hold the competition based on conditions. Upon deciding to hold the competition, all 24 surfers will have 24 hours to get there. Meet the 24 here.
The event draws thousands of spectators to watch the world’s best surfers take on one of the most dangerous waves in the world. While they have to be in the frigid water, you do not, as there are many ways to check out the competition.
See it live: as it gets very crowded and there is limited space to watch the event, this is a challenge, and you would definitely need to arrive many hours early and of course bring your binoculars. For days when there are large waves and no competition, you can head out and see the surfers without the massive crowds. Directions are available here.
Live Webcast:The Maverick’s surf website offers a live webcast.
Mobile devices: Fans have the option of watching the contest on their mobile devices via Flo TV.
AT&T Park: There will be a live webcast of the day's activities at San Francisco’s AT&T park
By Boat: The Mavericks Boat Tour is a 3 hour cruise that puts you right in the heart of the competition and seats can be reserved here.
You can sign up for contest updates and alerts at the Mavericks Surf website, or sign up to receive a text message alert as soon as the contest green light is given (text “MAVERICKS” to 81595).
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