2006 Mavericks Surf Contest

Paddle-in Big Wave contest
Mavericks, California, USA
1 January - 31 March 2006

www.maverickssurf.com 

OPENING CEREMONIES INCLUDE PADDLE-OUT, PRAYER CIRCLE AND KICK-OFF PARTY 

Prize Purse, Heat Selection, and Environmental Initiative Announced

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 10 January, 2006 : - - On Saturday January 7, The 2006 Mavericks Surf Contest® season officially got underway with a ceremonial paddle-out and prayer circle followed by a kick-off celebration at the Harbor House Convention Center. Twenty-two of “The 24” surfers paddled out to the break, joined hands and prayed for a safe and successful upcoming event. The celebration then moved to the Harbor House Convention Center where organizers held a draw for heat selections, announced the contest prize purse and a first-of-its-kind environmental campaign, as well as other important initiatives for the 2006 contest.

Prize Purse

Jeff Clark, Contest Director and surf legend announced the much anticipated prize purse for 2006 worth a total of $55,000. The purse breakdown allots $30,000 for first, $10,000 for second, $5,000 for third, $4,000 for fourth, $3,500 for fifth and $2,500 for sixth. The $30,000 first place prize is the largest first-place payout in Mavericks history. Additionally, contestants will also be competing for a one-of-a-kind diamond studded wrist watch from sponsor REACTOR watches valued at $4,000.

Random Draw for Heat Selections

Competitors themselves were asked to the stage to draw numbered golf balls that would determine heat selections for the contest.

Heat One: Mike Gerhardt, Randy Cone, Alex Martins, Russell Smith, Brock Little and Shane Desmond.

Heat Two: Tyler Smith, Evan Slater, Anthony Tashnick (defending champion), Josh Loya, Greg Long, and Peter Mel.

Heat Three: Matt Ambrose, Ryan Augenstein, Kenny Collins, Grant “Twiggy” Baker, Eraldo Gueiros and Danilo Couto.

Heat Four: Ryan Seelbach, Nathan Fletcher, Shawn Rhodes, Darryl “Flea” Virostko (the 2003/2004 champion), Zach Wormhoudt and Grant Washburn.

Climate Neutral

Mavericks has always taken great pride in minimizing the environmental impact of the contest. This year, in conjunction with Clif Bar, Mavericks proudly spearheads the first ever “climate neutral” surf event. In response to the potential impact that some 30,000 spectators may have on the beloved cliffs and beaches at Half Moon Bay, there will be education stations about composting and recycling as well as replanting done on areas of the cliff that will experience some increased foot traffic on contest day. In addition, the partnership has studied the environmental impact of contest-related emissions and will offset them by buying wind energy credits.

Additionally, Jeff Clark reminded the crowd of two exciting initiatives for this year’s contest; a national television broadcast on May 13th from NBC sports and the return of a live web cast in partnership with MediaZone.com which allows subscribers to experience the contest live from their own homes.

Contest on HOLD

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 10 January, 2006 : - - HALF MOON BAY, Calif. Big swells continue to surge into Mavericks but this year's surf contest remains on hold. Jeff Clark, director of the Mavericks Surf Contest, determines when exactly to summon the world's top big wave rider to the water. Clark says "It's one of best big waves on the planet, we might as well surf it when it's big."

Clark said waves are currently coming in at about 20 feet tall at Mavericks. That's plenty big enough to keep the novices on the shore, but the pros want to see them even bigger. Santa Cruz has produced the only surfers ever to win the event -- Darryl "Flea" Virostko and last year's champ, Anthony Tashnick.

About Mavericks Surf Ventures:
Mavericks Surf Ventures, LLC is a partnership between surfing legend Jeff Clark and San Francisco-based sports management and marketing firm Evolve Sports, LLC. Mavericks Surf Ventures produces The Mavericks Surf Contest® and offers apparel and other licensed merchandise under the Mavericks™ brand. Coined as "the wave beyond," Mavericks™ inspires hardcore athletes to face the unpredictably raw power of Mother Nature, and stirs the souls of those who aspire to challenge their own limits. On a date to be determined on 24-hours' notice during the winter season of 2006, 24 invited surfers will battle to determine the next Champion of The Mavericks Surf Contest®.

About MediaZone:
MediaZone.com is a leading global provider of licensed video and audio content distributed securely via broadband networks to personal computers. MediaZone.com offers both subscription services and pay-per-view access to live event broadcasts and an extensive library of content in sports, film, TV entertainment, lifestyle, music, health, fitness, religious, international, how-to and personal development video and audio media. The company is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in China and Europe. MediaZone.com is a division of MIH Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Naspers (NASDAQ: NPSN).For more information, please visit www.MediaZone.com or send email to info@MediaZone.com.

Previous reports:
# 1 : Mavericks Surf Contest returns in 2006 for third year
# 2 : Who’s in Mavericks when its on - Help choose The 24
# 3 : 'The 24' are selected for 2006 Mavericks Surf Contest
# 4 : Paddle out etc to kick off Mavericks Contest Sat 7 Jan
# 5 : Mavericks Surf Contest 06 seeking full day volunteers
# 6 : Mavericks Surf Contest lining up shuttle buses & boat

More USA/Cen Amer. surfing news available here
Check the latest West Coast Surf Reports and Forcasts
Subscribe to Surfervillage News-Alerts

Contacts:
Dawn Boeckermann – dboeckermann@snlc.net
Hilary Craven – hcraven@snlc.net
SnL Communications
(310) 996-0239
www.snlc.net

Contact:
Resa Lee - Director, Content
MediaZone.com
Tel: + 1-650-595-8045
e-mail: resa@mediazone.com

Big Wave - Surfersvillage