Mavericks Surf Contest Causing Waves for Environmentalists.

The Mavericks Surf competition begins today in Half Moon Bay. Twenty four Maverick competitors will be facing 20 to 35 foot waves starting at 8 in the morning. The Mavericks surf entrants have come from all over the world to compete in the annual contest. Some have come as far as Australia, South Africa and Brazil.

Environmentalists strongly encourage spectators to be mindful of the environment as the competition takes place near the home of a bird refuge. An estimated 35,000 to 40,000 people are expected to attend the event.

Charise McHugh, Chamber President and CEO of the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce, warns that if the bird refuge is trampled, the Mavericks Surf Competition will be no more.

The Gulf of Farallones National Marin Sanctuary have also set restrictions for vessels and aircrafts that will be filming or viewing the contest. Boats are expected to be no less than a quarter mile from the shore and planes must go no lower than 2,000 feet above the water.

Mavericks organizers have partnered with Clif Bar & Co., an eco-friendly food company to ensure the environmentally friendly atmosphere of the competition. Ecostations can be found on the bluffs where guests can properly throw out their trash and recycle their bottles. Vendors and contest organizers will also be using renewable energy sources.

Contest organizers have also set up a live feed so viewers can watch the competition at maverickssurf.com without harming the environment. Or if you’re in the San Francisco area, stop by AT&T park for a viewing party where a live feed will be played on the centerfield scoreboard.

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