Inside Mavericks, Big-Wave Surfing's Gnarliest Contest

PRINCETON-BY-THE-SEA, CALIF. — Every winter, the world's best and bravest big-wave surfers wait for the call. And most years, the call comes

The waves, the weather, the wind — everything's perfect, the pros are told. The contest starts in two days. You have 48 hours to get here

The Mavericks Invitational — arguably big-wave surfing's most epic contest — is on. Waves, sometimes with faces measuring over 50 feet, will give surfers the rides of their lives. That, or batter them mercilessly — oftentimes both. Spectators attending equal parts party and competition cheer from ashore. On the line: A $12,000 grand prize. But, more importantly: Glory and immortality in big-wave surfing lore Read more...