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| Mavericks Surf Contest not happening By Greg Thomas [ greg@hmbreview.com ] Published/Last Modified on Thursday, April 2, 2009 12:22 PM PDT Mavericks Surf Contest coordinators are calling it quits on the big wave contest this season, according to a Mavericks Surf Ventures press release. The waiting period opened Jan. 1 and officially ended on March 31. “The giant appears to be entering its annual slumber until next season,” it states. “After consulting with a large number of the Mavericks family—Contest Director Jeff Clark, longtime Mavericks competitors, agencies focused on environmental protection and public safety, surf forecasters, and our sponsor partners—we have decided to conclude the 2009 waiting period and turn our eyes towards next season,” said Mavericks CEO Keir J. Beadling. Sluggish swells and a sensitive marine habitat are noted as the two main forces driving the decision to close the window. Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent Maria Brown states in the release that “the presence of listed and vulnerable species, newly-born harbor seal pups, migrating whales, and nesting birds make April a particularly sensitive time for wildlife in the Sanctuary. Any wildlife disturbance by boats, people on foot, and aircraft can result in mortality.” Moose Guen and Jane Sutherland of MVision and Barracuda Networks will roll the historic $150,000 prize purse over to next season. The release also states that opening the contest window in November and ramping up promotions in September will “remain a goal of the company.” |