Famed 'Mavericks' Surf Contest Event Window Now Open

HALF MOON BAY, CA — The event window for the annual 2018 Mavericks Challenge surf contest near Half Moon Bay opened Wednesday, organizers said.

The competition, which started in 1999, draws top surfers from around the world for a day of big-day surfing off the coast of Pillar Point Harbor.

It is being run by the World Surf League this year and didn't take place last year, when previous organizers Titans of Mavericks LLC and Cartel Management Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Under the new ownership, the window for this year's event goes through Feb. 28. If organizers declare conditions are right, the field of 24 men and six women will come to Mavericks to vie for part of the $130,000 purse.

This would be the first year in the history of the competition that women have competed.

— By Bay City News Service

PHOTO: Tyler Fox rides a wave during the second heat of round one of Mavericks Invitational on January 24, 2014 in Half Moon Bay, California. / PHOTO CREDIT: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images