KCBA - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News Weather-Mavericks Canceled; What that Means for Surfers

Mavericks Canceled; What that Means for Surfers

Posted: Updated:

Santa Cruz, Calif- Weather conditions this year simply didn't produce the massive waves needed for the Mavericks Surf Contest. But it's more of an environmental reason that organizers aren't keeping the window open another week. Extending the waiting period beyond March could pose a danger to newly-born harbor seal pups, migrating whales, and nesting birds.

Organizers hope to open the contest window earlier next season. This years contest boasted the largest prize purse in Mavericks history $150,000. But with no competition, the surfers are missing out on some serious cash.

Shane Desmond has competed in four Mavericks Surf Contest and wasn't surprised that this years was canceled. "Being a surfer and just seeing how mother nature was not really producing this year I kind of almost knew that it wasn't going to happen," said Desmond.

But the historic prize purse, is money that this surfer could really use. He works three jobs to support his family, and when the only big wave surf competition in California is canceled, things get tricky. "Big wave surfers need big waves to shine and without big waves you can't showcase your ability," said Desmond.

That means traveling around the world to compete, "There are quite a bit of expenses. Travel is not cheep and they like to charge a lot for surfboards," said Desmond. The better your surf the more sponsors you have, and more money you make.  While Shane is sorry to miss out on a shot at this years prize money, he doesn't plan on giving up the sport any time soon. "I'm going to be surfing my whole life, I'm going to teach my kids to surf," said Desmond.

The $150,000 purse will be carried over to next years competition.