Surfers Dare Mavericks' Waves

Dangerous contest is a crowd-pleaser

By Caroline Zimmerman, Newser User

Posted Jan 13, 2008 1:03 PM CST

(Newser) – Hordes of international surfers descended on the rocky shores and treacherous waves of Mavericks beach near San Francisco yesterday, the Los Angeles Times reports. The competition was called 24 hours before the air horn went off—enough time for surfers to fly from Brazil and South Africa, and for thousands of fans to watch from party boats, TV screens, or online.

Founder Jeff Clark first surfed the dense, 25-foot swells in 1975; he kept the spot secret for years, but now it's so well-known that environmental protectionists have gotten involved. Mavericks waves are infamous for taking surfer Mark Foo under for good in 1994, but this year, no one was hurt. "The camaraderie was beyond anything I had experienced," said winner Greg Long, who shared his prize money with the top 6.

Evan Slater drops in on a giant wave as Grant Baker, top, rides over it during the final heat of the Mavericks surf contest Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, in Half Moon Bay, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (Associated Press)

Grant Baker surfs a giant wave during the Mavericks surf contest Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, in Half Moon Bay, Calif. Baker took second place in the contest. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (Associated Press)

Greg Long, right, and Jamie Sterling share a wave as they compete in the finals of the Mavericks surf contest Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, in Half Moon Bay, Calif. Long won the event, while Sterling finished... (Associated Press)

Ryan Seelbach, left, drops down a giant wave as Evan Slater, right, wipes out during the semi-finals of the Mavericks surf contest Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, in Half Moon Bay, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (Associated Press)

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Dangerous contest is a crowd-pleaser

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Man Surfs 90-Foot Monster Wave, Sets Record

Garrett McNamara rides rode monster off Portugal

Fishermen Find Body of Missing Surfer

Daniel Bobis apparently hit another surfer's board

Surfer's Death Reignites Debate Over Jet Skis

Wildlife officials limit them, but surfers want them for rescues

Surfing World Mourns Death of Champ Andy Irons

He may have contracted dengue fever in Portugal

Surfers Barrel to Earl

Hurricane expected to produce 10-foot waves

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Dangerous contest is a crowd-pleaser

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

San Francisco • surfing • waves • Mavericks • Mark Foo • Jeff Clark • Greg Long • surfers

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Man Surfs 90-Foot Monster Wave, Sets Record

Garrett McNamara rides rode monster off Portugal

Fishermen Find Body of Missing Surfer

Daniel Bobis apparently hit another surfer's board

Surfer's Death Reignites Debate Over Jet Skis

Wildlife officials limit them, but surfers want them for rescues

Surfing World Mourns Death of Champ Andy Irons

He may have contracted dengue fever in Portugal

Surfers Barrel to Earl

Hurricane expected to produce 10-foot waves

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Newser By Users

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