Big wave surfers paddle out for Mavericks' opening day in Half Moon Bay
MAVERICKS, Calif. (KGO) -- There are waves of excitement Friday morning for the Titans of Mavericks competition. The world's best big wave surfers are about to paddle out just off the coast of Half Moon Bay for the opening day ceremony.
There are some new features this year. Women are now Titans of Mavericks as well. A lot of the surfers check in at the Old Princeton Landing before they head out.
They even leave their boards at the bar and grab them when they are back in town.
It's a big day for surf legend and Mavericks founder Jeff Clark.
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The big wave surf community is paddling out from the beach at Mavericks and circling up to celebrate the upcoming season.
"Titans of Mavericks kick off today and let her rip. Mother nature, bring it," Clark said.
Organizers have already named 22 of the 24 competitors, with two wildcard positions still open.
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For the first time in Mavericks' history, there's a women's heat. Six female surfers will surf for one hour for a $30,000 prize.
Those competitors will be named on November 1.
"They're all our friends. We're in the lineup with them. Either here at Mavericks or other places around the world, and they're so stoked. They're really stoked. And I'm stoked to be able to give them a place where they can put it on the line and show the world what they have," Clark said.
Surfers will find out which heat they are in at Friday night's opening ceremony party.
The window then opens on November 1 and as soon as surfers get the call, they have 48 hours to get here for the competition.
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