Mastering the Waves

Oh, the challenge of mastering the big waves of the Pacific Ocean - the turning, carving, snapping off the top, and getting barreled (a.k.a.: surfer talk). The waves I’m speaking of are the world famous Mavericks north of Half Moon Bay, west of Princeton-by-the-Sea, and south of Moss Beach (and straight above Pillar Point). Each year, since 1999, there has been a Mavericks contest to determine the conqueror or conquerors of the big wave; that is, if the waves cooperate (Pacific storms determine whether the giants will emerge or not, with the contest’s time frame somewhere in-between mid-December to February). If the waves are a no show, the contest is put off for another year.

The greatest surfers from all over the world come to battle the most wicked waves that the Pacific Ocean has to offer. These surfing daredevils challenge the up-to-50-foot high waves, the jagged rocks, the shallow reefs and the frigid water. It is a spectacular exhibition of man’s skills battling nature’s elements.

The contest brings thousands of big-wave surfers to the small beach sandwiched between lofty cliffs and giant, crashing waves. We lived for 10 years just 1/4 mile from the actual Maverick site. In fact, if you look at the picture (below) where the surfing fans are sitting on the cliffs, our house was on the other side of the Cypress trees. Living that close, you couldn’t help but get caught up in the excitement of the event. Being there in person is breathtaking with the sounds of crashing waves, the smell of fresh sea air, and a mist that flows up the cliff to touch your face.

Some fans pay up to $275 (cash) to watch the contest in one of a small fleet of tour boats available at the Princeton Harbor. It is hard to believe that anyone would pay that much to get up close and personal and bob up and down in the rocky sea but they do. No refunds for the seasick.

Well, this year’s Mavericks contest has come and gone - and the winners have been announced. However, there is another contest that comes to mind. It's the contest that we participate in each day. Living for the Lord has its excitement, challenges, and emotions as we bob up and down on the sea of life. In the process, we become seasoned daredevils challenging huge obstacles and unseen dangers. It’s a spectacular exhibition of our skills battling life’s elements. May we all master life's breathtaking waves - and be announced winners at His contest's ending.