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February 08, 2006

2006 Mavericks Surf Contest

For the past three years I have waited in anticipation for the Mavericks Big Wave Surf Contest. Each year, 24 of the top big wave surfers in the world are invited to the contest held in Northern California's Half Moon Bay. No one is certain when the event will happen because it all has to do with the weather. From January 1st to the end of March, contest organizers watch the swell and weather forecasts trying to determine when the big waves will hit and if the weather will allow good conditions. When it looks like a go, the word is put out and all contestants, organizers, sponsors and spectators are given 24 hour notice that the contest is on.

The night before the contest I usually can be found scrambling around getting my gear ready and attempting to get some sleep. My alarm goes off at 4:30am and I quickly have some coffee, get dressed, kiss my wife, grab my gear and head out the door. By 6am I am at the boat dock waiting for my ride out to the surf break. By 8am I am sitting 100 yards from giant 30+ foot waves, my eyes are wide and my heart is pumping. I get my camera together and it's showtime.

This year was spectacular! The weather could not have been better. 75 degrees, no wind, blue skies and perfect waves.

Enough talk, now to the photos. The complete gallery can be found at www.SportsShutter.com.

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Comments

Great shots of Mavericks. Just curious how you get access to be in the water for an event like that?

Thanks!
Steve

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