Huge congratulations goes out to Chris Bertish who tamed the monster swell at Mavericks this weekend to claim the $50,000 prize purse on offer.

The highlight of the contest, other than the amazingly talented skills of the world best big wave riders was the huge rogue wave that got a little close for comfort for many of the spectators. Several people were injured in the incident, a couple of breaks and fractures. Still, hundreds of people flocked to the headlands and beaches to watch this amazing contest Watch the freak wave incident for yourself here:
Rogue wave at Mavericks Surf Contest 2010

With 50ft waves on a foggy day in North California the Mavericks 2010 champion was crowned!!

Mavericks Surf Contest

Mavericks Surf Contest 2010

The much awaited Mavericks Big Wave surfing contest is set to return to the shore of North California this weekend. With huge swells predicted for the region over the coming days, big wave charges from across the world are heading to this famous surf spot at Half Moon Bay for the so called ‘Olympics of Surfing’.

A little bit about the contest….
Mavericks is a world-renowned big wave break located one-half mile off the coast of Half Moon Bay, California.
Since the early 1990s, when the local spot was introduced to the world, Mavericks has become an epicenter of modern big-wave surfing, attracting elite riders to test its limits (and theirs) each time it rears its awe-inspiring head. With waves cresting as high as 50 feet, ridiculously strong currents, dangerous rocks, perilously shallow reefs, and bone-chilling water temperatures, Mavericks is like no other place on Earth.

Each winter, during a waiting period typically set for sometime between November and March – if and when conditions are perfect, and giant swells roll in from far across the Pacific – The Mavericks Surf Contest® is held. On just 24 hours notice, two dozen of the surfing community’s bravest and most skillful souls assemble to confront the thundering mountain of salt water many consider to be the most dangerous wave Mother Nature has ever concocted.

(wording courtesy of www.maverickssurf.com)

Tune in and check out some out of this world surfing….you can watch live online via the website www.maverickssurf.com

Big swells on the way for North California