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Maverick's Invitational Surf Competition is Happening Sunday 1/20/13

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Real Estate Agent with Certified Realty Services BRE# 00572654

Maverick's Invitational Surf Competition is Happening Sunday 1/20/13

Picture from Maverick's InvitationalTwenty-four of the world's best big wave surfers will compete at the sometimes annual Maverick's Invitational Surfing competition.  "Sometimes" because the competition depends on whether or not contest organizers forecast huge waves.    

Storms originating around the Aleutian Islands off the coast of Alaska coupled with the unusual contours on the ocean floor produce gigantic waves at Maverick's Beach near Pillar Point in Half Moon Bay; 25 miles South the San Francisco and 37 miles Northwest of Saratoga, CA.   

This year, Mavericks Invitational Contest Director Jeff Clark said “The waves are going to be insane, the weather is going to be beautiful, and the level of surfing will break new ground.” Contest organizers expect 25'-40' swells based on meteorologic satellite data, plus motion and depth readings from Pacific buoys.

That's why the event is an "invitational".  Only expert big wave surfers are invited.  Tragically, expert surfers have been killed surfing at Mavericks. 

The Invitational is scheduled to take place anytime between November and March.  That's when Pacific storms are most likely to generate huge CA coastal waves.  Organizers announce the specific date for the Invitational competition when they forecast huge waves.  Contestant surfers from around the world must show up within 48-hours of the "Surf's Up" announcement to participate.  

The event may be watched lived here Sunday 7:30 AM Pacific Standard Time.  Surf competition begins at 8:00 AM PST.

Lloyd Binen

Realtor/Broker/DRE 572654

Certified Realty Services

19200 Shubert Drive

Saratoga, CA 95070

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS); Graduate Realtors Institute (GRI)

408-373-4411;  e-mail

Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Lloyd - I used to go out to watch these guys when I lived in CA and there were big waves along the coast. It was always amazing to see them ride these monsters and come out whole (usually) - incredible skill and lots of courage.

Jan 19, 2013 05:38 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager
I can't imagine ever getting on a surf board. I'm not exactly the adventurous type. Sounds like great fun to watch, just being on a beach this time of year sounds wonderful.
Jan 19, 2013 11:20 AM
Jordon Wheeler
The Jordon Wheeler Group - Fairburn, GA
J W Group Real Estate Sales and Service

Hey Lloyd,

I have never surfed, but the Maverick Invitational might be an event to enjoy.  Best of success to you this year!

Jan 19, 2013 03:30 PM
Lloyd Binen
Certified Realty Services - Saratoga, CA
Silicon Valley Realtor since 1976; 408-373-4411

Hi Dick, Did you live in No Cal?  Your last Grab Bag also referenced the Bonny Doon winery and the artist who created their labels.  There's a Bonny Doon in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  

Sharon,  Your sailing/skiing thrill-seeking, adventure daughter would enjoy this event.  Mavericks doesn't have a sandy public beach and handling the crowd of nearly 10,000 is a big ordeal and problem.  It's a pretty raw and rugged coastline.  Event sponsors want people to show up, but the Fire Department is telling people to watch the event from home on the web.  In 2010 a dozen spectators were injured by a "rogue" giant wave.

Jan 19, 2013 04:13 PM
Lloyd Binen
Certified Realty Services - Saratoga, CA
Silicon Valley Realtor since 1976; 408-373-4411

Jordon, perhaps you should try it, but Mavericks is not for beginners.

Jan 19, 2013 04:20 PM
Hella Mitschke Rothwell
(831) 626-4000 - Honolulu, HI
Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker

Lloyd: It must have been a great event yesterday because I watched some pretty big waves crash onto the rocks at Carmel Beach last night. These waves are awesome, and only for experts. Oh, and don't stand too close to the ocean when you are watching them. Many people have died from a rogue wave coming in.

Jan 21, 2013 01:35 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Lloyd, this would be an exciting event to watch, and would if I was closer!

Jan 21, 2013 11:21 PM