Surf’s Up at Mavericks

When transiting the North Coast, it’s always wise to stay well offshore, especially when passing outside Half Moon Bay, where a reef contributes to the occasional formation of enormous waves. Today is one of those days, and today only top-ranked big-wave surfers from around the world are competing in the Titans of Mavericks surf competition.

Because the break is a half mile off the beach, it’s always tough to watch the action from shore, and this year it’s even tougher, as the beach is closed. However, sponsor Red Bull has made it easy to watch the action live (streaming) on a variety of platforms including smartphones and gaming devices. (See this SF Gate write-up for a complete list of options.) You’ll see some awesome footage, and in our opinion armchair viewing is a much better means of watching the show than trying to position your own boat for a view.

If you do find yourself in that area today, be aware that the Coast Guard will be enforcing a safety zone extending 1,000 yards off Sail Rock. The no-go zone is marked by buoys, with the regulated area divided into the competition area and an area for spectator boats.

Although virtually unknown to most Bay Area residents, on days when it’s pumping, Mavericks is considered to be one of the most perfect big-wave breaks in the world. In fact, Half Moon Bay native Jeff Clark, who, at age 17, was the first person to surf Mavericks — and still surfs it 40 years later — calls it "the most technical big wave in the world." The drop after launching is often so steep that competitors go airborne after launching off a crest. Amazing to watch, but not to be attempted by mere morals.