The Mavericks Surf Contest™ Is On!

Who: Twenty-four of the world’s best big wave surfers will compete in The 2004/2005 Mavericks Surf Contest™ this Wednesday. Heralded as “the Super Bowl of Big-Wave Surfing” by Sports Illustrated and the subject of an historic network television broadcast on NBC Sports, the Mavericks Surf Contest™ will play host to some of the biggest names in surfing, including three-time contest winner Darryl “Flea” Virostko, Tow-In Surfing World Champion Garrett McNamara, and Peter Mel, long-time Mavericks legend.

What: The Mavericks Surf Contest™ takes place at a world-renowned big-wave spot located one-half mile off the coast of Half Moon Bay, California (just 30 miles south of San Francisco). Last year, 15,000 spectators and two million television viewers experienced the event. On Wednesday, the best big-wave riders on the planet will return to face waves that have crested over 60 feet, frigid waters, dangerous currents, jagged rocks and the ever-present threat of the Great White Shark. Heralded as the “Holy of Holies” by the San Francisco Chronicle, this year’s $75,000 Contest will be telecast by NBC Sports on April 24, 2005. Sponsors include Coca-Cola, Verizon Wireless, Jeep, Balance Vector, the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, Cabo Wabo Tequila, Clif Bar, Reactor Watches, Surfer Magazine, and Plantronics. More information and a live webcast is available on the official contest website at www.maverickssurf.com.

Where: Thousands of spectators will converge on Half Moon Bay to experience this year’s contest. To avoid heavy traffic, consider taking the Hospitality Bus Tour leaving from SBC Park in San Francisco (Contact Bauer’s Limousine at 1.800.LIMO.OUT or mavericks@bauerslimousine.com). In Half Moon Bay, there will be free parking at Pillar Point Harbor and across from the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company on Capistrano Road. Free shuttles will run throughout contest day beginning at 7:00 am to bring visitors from the parking lots to the top of West Point. From there spectators can walk out to the beach at Mavericks.

Media/Sponsors/Vendors/VIPs: All authorized media/sponsor/vendor/VIP personnel must pick up their official credentials at the Beach Hotel the day before the contest or at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company on contest day. Media scheduled to ride in the media boat may also obtain credentials at Pillar Point Harbor’s H Dock on contest day. Please be advised that the Media Boat will leave from H Dock at the Pillar Point Harbor at 7:30 a.m. sharp. If you miss the departure, you will NOT be ferried out. The boat WILL NOT return to shore during the contest. Also, please be sure to adequately charge your phones and computers before departing as there are no power outlets on the boat. We will supply lunch and beverages. If you are susceptible to seasickness, we strongly advise you to bring along Dramamine or a Transderm patch. If you are scheduled to cover the contest from the Pillar Point Air Force Base, you may gain access by showing photo identification at the gate to the base guards. Please be aware that this is a secure military installation and media personnel who have not received advance authorization will not be allowed on the base.

EVENT SHEDULE:
Tuesday, March 1, 2005:
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Credentialed Media/Sponsor/Vendor/VIP Check-In at the Beach House Hotel (4100 N. Cabrillo Highway, 650.712.0220).

Wednesday, March 2, 2005:
5:30 am – 7:30 am: Credentialed Media/Sponsor/Vendor/VIP Check-In at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company (390 Capistrano Avenue, 650.728.2739) or at the H Dock (Pillar Point Harbor).
7:30 am (sharp!): Media Boat Departs H Dock.
8:00 am – 3:00 pm: The Mavericks Surf Contest™ Takes Place.
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Contest Awards Ceremony at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Private Party at The Half Moon Bay Brewing Company (Invitation-Only).

CONTACT: Keir J. Beadling, Mavericks Surf Ventures, LLC, 415.595.3741 (cell), maverickssurf@evolve-sports.com.