hellwoman
12-28-2007, 04:17 AM
Despite death, surf contest will go on
Friday, December 07, 2007RYAN WHITE The Oregonian Staff
One of those terribly sad stories that sometimes happen when humans push themselves against nature happened the other day. On Tuesday, Peter Davi, one of the early big wave riders at a Northern California spot called Mavericks, died surfing a Monterey County break called Ghost Trees. He was 45.
It was a somber reminder of what can happen when trying to harness the power and speed of a rushing wall of water, and it did not escape the notice of anyone that it occurred just before the waiting period begins for this year's Mavericks Surf Contest.
Beginning today, the forecast will be watched, and, between now and March 31, on a day when said forecast turns perfect, 24 surfers will have 24 hours to get to Half Moon Bay, Calif. They'll arrive and face, according to the contest Web site, "Frigid waters, dangerous currents, jagged rocks and the ever-present threat of the great white shark."
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For the thrill of the ride.
We got to meet a number of the guys who will surf Mavericks last year in Lincoln City, when they were in town for the Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic. A cooler group you will not likely meet . It has to take a lot to take to the water and take on the planet.
There's a brilliant documentary called "Riding Giants" that tracks the growth of big wave surfing from its earliest days in Hawaii, when guys such as Greg Noll ruled, until today, when guys like Laird Hamilton not only own the break but have helicopters on hand to film it.
It's hilarious and jaw-dropping and gorgeous. Next time it starts raining, we can't recommend it enough. There's plenty in the film about Mavericks and its pioneer, Jeff Clark, who took the challenge as a 17-year-old in 1977 and then surfed it alone for 15 years.
Now Mavericks has become one of the most known, intimidating and challenging surf spots in the world -- and it hosts one heck of an event. This year, to limit the amount of traffic out to the viewing spots, the contest will be broadcast live at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants and Oregon State's bowl game.
It also will be broadcast live on the Internet, and watching it seems like a great thing to do when you're supposed to be working. You can sign up for updates and such at the contest Web site (www.maverickssurf.com).
Ryan White: 503-412-7024; ryanwhite@news.oregonian.com
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/sports/1196997950250910.xml&coll=7
Friday, December 07, 2007RYAN WHITE The Oregonian Staff
One of those terribly sad stories that sometimes happen when humans push themselves against nature happened the other day. On Tuesday, Peter Davi, one of the early big wave riders at a Northern California spot called Mavericks, died surfing a Monterey County break called Ghost Trees. He was 45.
It was a somber reminder of what can happen when trying to harness the power and speed of a rushing wall of water, and it did not escape the notice of anyone that it occurred just before the waiting period begins for this year's Mavericks Surf Contest.
Beginning today, the forecast will be watched, and, between now and March 31, on a day when said forecast turns perfect, 24 surfers will have 24 hours to get to Half Moon Bay, Calif. They'll arrive and face, according to the contest Web site, "Frigid waters, dangerous currents, jagged rocks and the ever-present threat of the great white shark."
Advertisement
For the thrill of the ride.
We got to meet a number of the guys who will surf Mavericks last year in Lincoln City, when they were in town for the Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic. A cooler group you will not likely meet . It has to take a lot to take to the water and take on the planet.
There's a brilliant documentary called "Riding Giants" that tracks the growth of big wave surfing from its earliest days in Hawaii, when guys such as Greg Noll ruled, until today, when guys like Laird Hamilton not only own the break but have helicopters on hand to film it.
It's hilarious and jaw-dropping and gorgeous. Next time it starts raining, we can't recommend it enough. There's plenty in the film about Mavericks and its pioneer, Jeff Clark, who took the challenge as a 17-year-old in 1977 and then surfed it alone for 15 years.
Now Mavericks has become one of the most known, intimidating and challenging surf spots in the world -- and it hosts one heck of an event. This year, to limit the amount of traffic out to the viewing spots, the contest will be broadcast live at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants and Oregon State's bowl game.
It also will be broadcast live on the Internet, and watching it seems like a great thing to do when you're supposed to be working. You can sign up for updates and such at the contest Web site (www.maverickssurf.com).
Ryan White: 503-412-7024; ryanwhite@news.oregonian.com
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/sports/1196997950250910.xml&coll=7