Mavericks

I was recently shown some photos from the best surf competition in California by a friend who went this year. For those of you who don't know- Mavericks is a Nor Cal surf spot best loved and most dreaded by even the most experienced surfers. The day before the big event a San Francisco Paper says: "Mavericks Surf Contest, often labeled “the most dangerous surf contest on the globe,” will take place in just 24 hours... weather conditions enable the competition to be held this Tuesday, with world-class big-wave surfers flying in on a day’s notice." Mavericks is along very typical craggly Northern California coast line and often produces amazing waves (great for surfing). The area is also filled with jutting rock formations on the ocean floor along the rocky cliffs (not so good for surfing). Surfing Mavericks is not for the faint hearted. And Nor Cal surfers are most certainly not the faint of heart. They are a motley crew who often take great pride in "out-surfing" their more soft-shelled (yes- that is a nice way of saying PANSEY) So Cal competitors - ESPECIALLY on their own turf. For California surfers, Mavericks has always been the spot for showing off their prowess. Now, on the 5th annual contest, Mavericks is attracting world wide attention and bringing out the world's best surfers. The Nor Cal surfer favored to win this year (Anthony Tashnick- who won last year) was disqualified early on. But South Africa's Grant Baker won with a perfect score- that picture on the bottom is of him in the last heat. Here are some great pictures from this year - they bring me much pleasure- thought you might like them as well.