Mavericks Surfshop

The Mavericks Invitational is the world’s premier, high adrenaline, big wave surfing event. This one-day, invitation-only surfing competition is held at the legendary Mavericks surf break located near Half Moon Bay, only 20 minutes south of San Francisco and near the heart of  California’s Silicon Valley. The 24 best and most daring big-wave surfers in the world will attempt to tame the massive swells on the biggest and best day of the 2011-2012 winter season.

Contest Window
January 1, 2012 – March 31, 2012

Opening Ceremony: A Celebration of Surfing

This year’s Opening Ceremony will take place with only two days notice, targeting one of the larger early swells of the winter season. Much like tracking the waves and conditions to call the contest, we’ll track the waves and the surfers to provide the best opportunity for all the competitors to come out and spend the day together free surfing at Mavericks, just as it should be. The day will conclude with the official Opening Ceremony and paddle-out to share the spirit of this special place with the community that embraces the world of big wave surfing. The Opening Ceremony is a ritual unlike any other, where fans can meet the surfers, paddle out for the ceremony and experience the power of ocean that brings us all together.

The Call

Once the season opens in January, the watching and waiting begins. The “call” is a perfect blend of art, science and experience: tracking the waves, the wind, the tides, the swell direction and duration, understanding the ideal weather conditions and taking that chance.  The best satellite reports will never replace experience and knowledge of Mavericks. When all the factors are right, Contest Director Jeff Clark and his crew will make the call and give the 24-hour notice that the Mavericks Invitational is on!

Where to Watch

The waves at Mavericks break ½ mile offshore, hardly visible from the tiny stretch of beach at 

the end of Pillar Point.  This year, due to environmental and safety concerns, there will be no public access to Pillar Point, the beach or the bluffs during the competition.

The MAVERICKS INVITATIONAL FESTIVAL located on the grounds of the Oceano Hotel & Harbor Village, is the place to be to watch the contest via satellite, meet the surfers, enjoy music, food and

the watch official Awards Ceremony. Watch for details on how you can attend this exclusive event!

Be a part of the action without a two-wave hold down!

This year, we are introducing an entirely new way of experiencing the Mavericks Invitational. Now, fans will have a place to go, to view the contest, meet the surfers, hear some great music, get some cool schwag and be a part of the Awards Ceremony when we crown the 2012 winner of the Mavericks Invitational. Your ticket not only gets you into this great event, but also lets you enjoy some cool deals with local businesses, restaurants and bars in the community.