Friday, February 5, 2010

Mavericks

Noah and I have been wanting to go to Mavericks beach this winter to see some big waves and to try and catch some world class big wave surfers doing what they do best. Noah heard that they had some 25 foot + waves today so we drove over to Half Moon Bay to check it out. Mavericks is a world-famous surfing location and winter destination for some of the world's best big wave surfers. Winter storms can routinely crest at over 25 feet and top out at over 50 feet. The break is caused by an unusually-shaped underwater rock formation. Only a select few are willing to risk the hazardous conditions at Maverick's. An invitation-only contest is held there every winter, depending on wave conditions. We were hoping to catch it this year, but today's conditions were considered to dangerous for the contest.We did enjoy watching the huge waves, playing in the sand, and the sun set over the water. On the way back to the truck we saw a rock memorial for the popular and famed Hawaiian big-wave rider Mark Foo, who died while surfing Maverick's with the other Hawaiian visitors and local riders. It was a reminder for us on how dangerous the ocean can be even if it looks inviting.

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