Make Mavericks safer before event is scarred forever

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In the aftermath of a Mavericks Surf Contest that was both fantastically successful and nearly tragic, it’s a good idea to take a deep breath and discuss ways to assure everyone goes home safely next year.

This is not to say that contest organizers are entirely to blame for the injuries that occurred when waves washed ashore and over the beach directly inland from the prized break. People who go to see a big-wave competition, and then trickle down to the roiling sea’s very edge, should know they are in harm’s way. Spectators who walk past very clear signs noting dangers ahead must accept responsibility along with a good perch.

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pelicanpaul
23 weeks ago

I have not surfed in three weeks, heading for the mountains where temperatures have been quite warm. Strange for spring skiing to start in February. I think Mavericks is a cool idea but it is not a place to watch big wave surfing. One needs good binocs and the best viewing is actually off-limits on the top of the cliff. Wait 'till some unlucky person falls off that drop. The media will come in like seagulls to bread. When big waves hit, they are happening up and down the coast in lots of places. I guess I have a hard time seeing surfing as a "competition."

deciblast
23 weeks ago

Heading up to South Lake tomorrow too.. looks like our long break from storms will change in about a week or so. Sunday night looks like 1 feet with up to 2 feet on the sierra crest. I wish I could take Monday off.

over_the_falls
23 weeks ago

I hadn't started surfing at the time of the last contest in 2008. Jeff Clark was still running things back then, right? How well put together was that contest, compared to this recent one?

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