Community Corner

Mavericks Viewing Festival — A Party for the Fans

The festival is where it's at to watch the 2013-14 Body Glove Mavericks Invitational big wave surfing event and get access to the Awards Ceremony.

With a massive swell forecast for upwards of 40 feet on Friday, the world’s best big-wave surfers will take to the water about a half-mile offshore at Mavericks surf break for a competition that people can view live on a big screen at the Mavericks Viewing Festival.

The festival will be held on Friday, Jan. 24, with gates opening at 7:30 a.m., on the grounds of the Oceano Hotel & Spa, just down the road from Mavericks in Princeton Harbor.

The festival gives fans a place to gather on the coast and watch the 2013-14 Body Glove Mavericks Invitational on jumbo HD screens, enjoy music, food and entertainment, and get exclusive commentary and access to the Awards Ceremony when all the surfers come off the water and the winning surfer is announced on stage.

Mavericks Invitational organizers say that this year’s festival is much improved, with more space, more food and drink, and more activities like a surfboard shaping exhibit featuring legend Floyd Smith, Mavericks photography exhibit, a beer garden, and GoPro fan booth.

They are also reminding viewers to plan a safe way to catch the big-wave action.

According to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, the bluffs above the break and entrance to the beach are closed to the public for safety reasons.

Viewers cannot go to the Mavericks beach because of high tide and surges. The cliffs above the beach are also considered unsafe for large crowds.

The roads to Pillar Point will be closed during the competition.

Expect traffic delays and plan to come early so you don’t miss the action. Festival organizers encourage car-pooling and riding bikes to the event. They will have a free Bike Valet available courtesy of Bike Works of Half Moon Bay.

Event parking is located at the Half Moon Bay Airport, within walking distance of the Festival. 

Proceeds from the parking benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside.

This is a family-friendly event. Kids under the age of 5 enter for free. No pets allowed.

Last year by noon organizers declared the Mavericks Festival at the Oceano Hotel as sold out. Only those with pre purchased tickets were admitted into the event. 

More information about the contest and tickets is available at
www.MavericksInvitational.com.




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