Grant Baker 2006 event champion : photo courtesy Mavsurfer/Frank Quirarte 

2007/2008 Mavericks Surf Contest®

Big Wave Contest
Half Moon Bay, California, USA
7 December 2007 - 31/March 2008

The Highly Anticipated Mavericks Surf Contest® is Back
The Official 2007/2008 Contest Window Will Open on December 7, 2007

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 13 November, 2007 : - - Half Moon Bay, Ca - On just 24 hours notice between December 7, 2007 and March 31, 2008, 24 legendary big-wave surfers will make the trek to Half Moon Bay, home of Mavericks, one of the most majestic and infamous surf breaks on earth, to test their individual skills and vie for the highly sought-after 2007/2008 Mavericks Surf Contest® title.  Competitors will face the dangerous elements of the frigid northern California waters in search of the perfect ride on waves reaching heights of 30 to 40 feet.

Contest Director Jeff Clark has announced that the official Contest window will open on December 7, several weeks earlier than in previous years, due to a storm season that is showing excellent early potential. Holding true to tradition, on the first day of the waiting period the surfers will welcome the new season with a ceremonial paddle out at the beach at Mavericks in Half Moon Bay.

“We are all stoked to be back for another year,” said Clark.  “The 2007/2008 season looks promising as we’ve already seen the first major swell roll through Half Moon Bay in mid-October.  The perfect contest day we’re looking for is typically a northwest groundswell between 18 and 20 feet (translating into waves faces of 30- to 40-feet).”  The contestants receive the famous green light alert and have just 24 hours to arrive for the event.

The international roster of invited surfers, which remains the same as last season with the exception of the alternates, consists of, in alphabetical order:
Matt Ambrose,
Grant “Twiggy” Baker,
Ion Banner,
Ross Clarke-Jones,
Kenny “Skindog” Collins,
Randy Cone,
Danilo Couto,
Shane Desmond,
Brock Little,
Greg Long,
Josh Loya,
Garrett McNamara,
Peter Mel,
Shawn Rhodes,
Ryan Seelbach,
Evan Slater,
Tyler Smith,
Russell Smith,
Jamie Sterling,
Anthony Tashnick,
Darryl “Flea” Virostko,
Grant Washburn,
John Whittle 
Zach Wormhoudt.

Also named were the 15 alternates, in order of priority:

Dave Wassel,
Nathan Fletcher,
Chris Bertish,
Carlos Burle,
Ryan Augenstein,
Dan Malloy,
Rusty Long,
Ben Andrews,
Kealii Mamala,
Mike Gerhardt,
Eraldo Gueiros,
Lawton Smith,
Noah Johnson,
Alex Martins,
Jake Wormhoudt,
Tim West,
Mike Brummett,
Doug Young 
Yann Kazabjian.

This year, the invitees will compete for an exciting $75,000 prize purse. The purse breakdown awards $30,000 for first place, $12,000 for second place, $7,500 for third place, $3,500 for fourth, $2,500 for fifth and $1,500 for sixth place.

Ensuring that Mavericks fans the world over can get a glimpse of the action, the Contest will be webcast live over the Internet.  The “It’s On!” SMS campaign allows fans to sign up to receive a cell phone text alert as soon as the Contest green light is given.  And the day’s activities will also be available via a unique live webcast viewing event at “baseball’s perfect address” and the home of the San Francisco Giants—AT&T Park. As always, surfers and fans alike can track the waves, stay informed on Contest announcements, and buy tickets for the AT&T Park Viewing Event at the official Mavericks website,www.maverickssurf.com.

www.maverickssurf.com

About The Mavericks Surf Contest®
Every winter season, Mother Nature offers up supremely harsh conditions and the giant, unpredictable waves that characterize Mavericks and the annual Mavericks Surf Contest®.  Frigid waters, dangerous currents, jagged rocks and the ever-present threat of the great white shark. Mix these with perfect weather conditions, and 24 legendary surfers will get the contest call from legendary big-wave surf pioneer and contest director, Jeff Clark. When they do, they will have only 24 hours to arrive in Half Moon Bay to face the extreme conditions, thunderous waves and each other. Coined as "the wave beyond," the Mavericks™ brand 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. Mavericks remains true to its core: a cold, mysterious and foreboding place that demands respect from everyone who goes there and inspires them to attempt the extraordinary. For more information, including photos, surf conditions and contest highlights, visit Mavericks Surf Ventures online atwww.maverickssurf.com.

www.maverickssurf.com 

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Jennifer Mangiacapre

Industry - Surfersvillage