Mavericks descend

It's on again! On just 24 hours notice, 24 of the world's greatest big-wave surfers descended upon the frigid waters of Half Moon Bay for the chance to ride "the most dangerous waves in the world."



These photos, from ANG Newspapers photographer Mathew Sumner, display the sheer power of nature along the rugged coastline just off Half Moon Bay.



And little did I know, the Bay Area not only has a thriving surfing scene, but we also have a darn pipeline...something usually found along the North Shore of Hawaii, not San Francisco.



It's all apart of the Mavericks Surf Competition, which puts 24 of the worlds greatest big-wave surfers against each other (and nature) for a chance to win $30,000 and endless respect.

If you've never seen big-wave surfing, it's unlike anything you could possibly imagine. It is one of the most thrilling, exciting, and dangerous sports around in which folks try to ride the energy of the earth to eternal glory.

I think back to my days of tinkering along the coastline of the Indian River inlet in Delaware where I first attempted to surf. The wave appeared quickly as I did all I could to paddle into the grips of nature. Yet, as I tried to stand upon my board, I turned around in horror to find the wave was taller than I. I fell off my board, not from the water or loss of balance, but simply from intimidation. The wave was about 5 feet off the water level.

Now imagine these guys are desending down the face of monsters that rise 30, 40, even 50 feet above the break.

I thought I had seen it all in the Bay Area, but this is just another example of how this region is just full of surprises. Now if I can only convince my wife to let me buy another surfboard and try my hand with the ocean once again...

posted by DVS @ 7:11 PM