Mavericks is always a spectacle to witness, but in 2005 no one had a better view than the Coast Guard. I found it particularly amusing that amid the chaos of the event the Coast Guard found the time to check out the action. I’ve yet to see a repeat of this and I think its unlikely this type of scene will unfold again quite as nicely. Even still every year I return to photograph this event I keep waiting for another moment like this to present itself.
Every Surfers Guardian Angel, Mavericks Surf Contest 2005
View More Mavericks Surf Contest Photos
Technorati Tags: Mavericks, surfing, photography, photo, stock photo, Coast Guard
Saturday was the 2008 Mavericks Surf Contest and I had the opportunity to photograph it from the shoulder of the surf break. The event was incredible as always. Surf conditions were big to say the least and the performances of Greg Long (the winner of the contest), Jamie Sterling, Grant Washburn, Grant Twiggy Baker, Even Slater and Tyler Smith were incredible. More photos are to come, but here are a few to enjoy in the meantime.
Update: More Mavericks photos have been added to my Photoshelter Mavericks gallery for more immediate viewing.
Greg Long and Jamie Sterling drop in on a huge wave at the 2008 Mavericks Surf Contest
Boards and Buoys, 2008 Mavericks Surf Contest
Notice anything odd about one of the boards?
Tyler Smith drops in on a monster wave at 2008 Mavericks Surf Contest
Jamie Sterling (red) and Greg Long (orange) battle it out in the final heat of the 2008 Mavericks Surf Contest
Stay Tuned For More Mavericks Photos…
Technorati Tags: Mavericks, surf, contest, photo, photos, photography, giant, wave, surfing, surfboard, Half Moon Bay
Thursday it was leaked that the Mavericks Big Wave Surf Contest is being called to take place on Saturday January 12, 2008. If you’re in the area and are thinking of witnessing the spectacle for yourself read up on access restrictions and alternate locations to view the surf contest such as at AT&T Park on the big screen. Odds are unless you have a mammoth lens and can tolerate sitting in mud on a precarious cliff side perch viewing the event is best seen at AT&T Park.
Check mavericksurf.com for the latest information.
Also be sure to check back to view the latest Mavericks photos from the 2008 surf contest in my new Mavericks Surf Contest photo gallery.
Mavericks Surf Contest 2006 - Big Wave Surfing
Previous years photos and write up:
Mavericks Big Wave Surf Competition 2005 and Mavericks
Big Wave Surf Competition 2006
Technorati Tags: Mavericks, surf, contest, competition, 2008, photo, photography, California, Half Moon Bay
Today the Mavericks Surf contest official waiting period begins. At any point between today, December 7th 2007, and March 31st 2008 the contest can be called. Once the contest is called invited surfers and surfing fans have 24 hours to travel from where ever they are worldwide to the event.
This past Tuesday waves reached nearly 70 feet at Mavericks. With great surf so early in the season lets hope the contest happens this year. Last years event never happened as the right combination of conditions failed to come together to produce the needed giant surf. As always I’ll be monitoring storm and swell forecasts in the hope that I can catch the action.
Mavericks Big Wave Surf Competition 2006 - Full Throttle
Photo coverage of past years Mavericks Big Wave Surf Competition:
Mavericks Big Wave Surf Competition 2006 Photo Highlights
Mavericks Big Wave Surf Competition 2005 Photo Highlights
Technorati Tags: Mavericks, surf contest, surf, big wave, waiting period, competition, photography, photo
2007 Waiting Period Ends Without Surf
Word from the organizers of Mavericks is the season is over for big waves and the contest has been called off. Although sad I’m glad to see that there wasn’t a compromise with sub-standard waves fueling the contest. In that regard I feel the premiere status of the contest was preserved. Until next year.
The clock is ticking on this years Mavericks surf competition. The time frame for the prestigious surf competition is between early January and the end of March. Only a couple storms have pass through northern California generating big enough surf for the event, but these swells did not align with favorable weather. With only a month remaining it leaves big wave surfing fans wondering if there will be a competition at all.
As we wait the only thing to do is reminisce about past competitions.
Mavericks Big Wave Surf Competition 2006 Photo Highlights
Mavericks Big Wave Surf Competition 2005 Photo Highlights
Mavericks Official Surf Competition page
