The weather service has issued a high surf advisory to boaters and beachgoers about an incoming storm expected to produce “large powerful” waves, “strong” rip currents and beach erosion up and down the coast from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 4 a.m. Thursday. Such a surge prompted a vote from Mavericks contest invitees, who are poised to receive a massive swell with open arms.
But this swell, too, shall pass without provoking a contest. Before the official word had been posted on the Mavericks Web page, contest Co-director Katherine Clark said, “The ‘nos’ were weighing heavier than the ‘yays.’”
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“All the data says no-go,” Sponsler said. But more swells are “piling in behind (this one),” he added.
Oscillating weather models showing big waves have prompted a handful of votes since the contest window opened Nov. 1. As weather updates roll in, surfers face the challenge of calling an appropriate day to hold the contest some 48 hours in advance of the arrival of a swell.
El Niño has been generating a flurry of erratic activity; models have generated a series of near misses and false starts.
“Wednesday looks like it’s supposed to be pretty big but choppy,” said contest invitee Ion Banner, of El Granada.
For the official word, visit maverickssurf.com Monday afternoon.
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