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JMG Galleries Photography by Jim M. Goldstein |
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This year the Mavericks Big Wave Competition lived up to expectation yet again. With greater marketing efforts the competition is being shaped into one of the greatest California surf competitions and therefore attracting the curiosity of many people, local and abroad. This year the cliffs were packed. Neighboring photographers and spectators were from San Francisco, Hayward, Pleasanton, Half Moon Bay and Hollywood, California. Also in my vicinity were a neighboring photographer from Peru and there was a brief visit from Carlos Berle of Brazil (an alternate in this years competition) taking in the view from the cliffs. With such attention being drawn to the event it’s growing tougher and tougher to catch a glimpse of the event. This year I got to Mavericks earlier than last, but still got virtually the exact same seat and viewpoint. It wasn’t easy. Fortunately even though the number of spectators is increasing year to year, the attitude of those attending remains the same and centers on the common affinity for big wave surfing. The cliffs may have been packed, but no one lost their cool or their footing near my vantage point. Settling down on the cliffs overlooking Mavericks before sunrise I was lucky to take in one of the most beautiful sunrises of the year. Soft pink light blanketed the coast and unveiled the massive surf that was churning at high tide. Weather conditions couldn’t have been better to unveil the surf at times approaching 50 feet in height. The combination of the receding high tide and large swell set the stage for gigantic surf.
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 A spectator's perspective The competition was intense and several wipe outs occurred through the various heats, but not quite as many as last year and few that would be considered gnarly. Drama was present early on as a rescue team on a Jet Ski required rescuing themselves while going in to assist a downed surfer. Luckily the Jet Ski was recovered, put back into immediate action and no one was worse for wear.
Performances in the water were amazing. Incredible rides were had by several riders triggering waves of applause from those taking in the competition from the shore. The only thing regularly breaking the sound of crashing waves and crowd applause was the constant buzzing of helicopters. This year there were far more helicopters buzzing around. Some news helicopters and others the standard fare of aerial event film crews. As with last year the competition will be broadcast by NBC tentatively scheduled for May 16th, 2006 at 2p.m. EST (see schedule updates on the official Mavericks Web Site). One notable absence from the air traffic was the Coast Guard. Not one Coast Guard helicopter was in sight. I actually think their presence added to last year’s event creating an added sense of drama and rounding out the spectrum of support given to the surfing community. Speaking of community support with the anticipated increase in crowds local police were on patrol and fire crews came to the aid of spectators, a mother and son, unfortunately hit by a falling boulder from the cliffs above. Although from my understanding the falling boulder was random it goes to show you attendance requires constant diligence and awareness of your environment. Maverick’s is wild in and out of the water. In the most predictable of fashion I can’t wait for next years competition. I will most certainly return to photograph the event. Factoring in the risks, tough terrain and exposure to the elements it is always worth the chance to see amazing surf, incredible surfing performance and share the experience with laid back fans. Enjoy the photos and results from today’s big wave competition below:
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