2007/2008 Mavericks Surf Contest®

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

Greg Long Crowned 2008 Mavericks Surf Contest® Champion    

Jamie Sterling Honored with Jay Moriarity Award,
Grant “Twiggy” Baker Awarded Clif Bar Green Room Award

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 12 January, 2008 : - - Half Moon Bay, Ca – After months of tracking the patterns of Mother Nature and officially receiving a greenlight less than 48 hours ago from Contest Director Jeff Clark, the 2007/2008 Mavericks Surf Contest® was held yesterday in solid 25-30 foot swell.  The event, which brought 24 of the world’s most accomplished big-wave surfers to one of the most infamous breaks on the planet, culminated in a hard fought victory for San Clemente, Calif., native, Greg Long. 

“Greg’s been pushing the limits,” said Contest Director Jeff Clark.  “With his natural talent it’s not a surprise to see him learning the ropes quickly and becoming one of the best big-wave surfers.”   

Following six intense heats featuring some of the finest watermen, in ideal Mavericks conditions, the finals are already being recognized as one of the most competitive and inspirational in the Contest’s history.  Despite the high stakes and back and forth lead changes, camaraderie ultimately stole the spotlight when, at the post-event awards ceremony, it was revealed that the six finalists, while looking out at seemingly flat water, agreed to split their shares of the prize purse evenly no matter the outcome.   

Shortly after the agreement in the water, a premiere set appeared out of nowhere, which Contest Champion, Long rode for an unprecedented perfect 10.  Claiming one-sixth share of the final round prize purse with Long were fellow finalists (in respective order of finish) Grant “Twiggy” Baker (ZAF), Jamie Sterling (HAW), Tyler Smith (Calif.), Grant Washburn (Calif.)  and Evan Slater (Calif.) in sixth.  Not all spoils were split evenly, as Long was additionally awarded with a one-of-a-kind high performance Reactor watch and a hand shaped Jeff Clark surfboard. 

“The first heat is the biggest hurdle.  Making the semifinals is a huge accomplishment but becoming the Mavericks Surf Contest® Champion is a dream come true,” said Long.  “I am humbled.”  

Jamie Sterling was honored with the Jay Moriarity award for the intense spirit and passion he exemplifies for big-wave surfing.  Clif Bar presented Grant “Twiggy” Baker with the Clif Bar Green Room Award, for getting the biggest, deepest barrel of the day, which is vied for and voted for by the surfers themselves.    

A record number of surf fans enjoyed the action at the beach as thousands descended on Pillar Point. Even more enjoyed the alternate viewing options as more than 250,000 viewed the free-live webcast on Myspace.com and more than 1,000 people watched the competition on the big screen at the live viewing party at AT&T Park in San Francisco.   

The 2008 Mavericks Surf Contest® has been made possible due to the support of its partners:  SURFER Magazine, Clif Bar & Co, Pinger Inc., REACTOR Watches, Hotline Wetsuits, Capture Technologies, Mavericks Surf Shop, Vertical Response, Stormsurf.com, Hard Rock International, MySpace.com, The Corporate Law Group and Doc’s Proplugs.

Results
Greg Long  (1)
Grant "Twiggy" Baker (2)
Jamie Sterling  (3)
Tyler Smith  (4)
Grant Washburn (5)
Evan Slater  (6)  

For Contest day video highlights, photos and complete details
please visit www.mavericksssurf.com or www.myspace.com/maverickssurf.

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.

Previous reports:
# 1 : Mavericks comp opening ceremony kicks off wait period
# 2 : Maverick's heat list announced, three champs in heat #4
# 3 : Mavericks Surf comp gets greenlight for Saturday swell

www.maverickssurf.com 

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Jennifer Mangiacapre

Big Wave - Surfersvillage