MAVERICKS CONTEST 2010, fans not welcome....

This post is taken from grindtv blog, by Chris Mauro, GrindTV.com





For the first time since the annual gathering of big-wave hellman began, fans are being warned to stay away from Pillar Point while this year's event is running. The usual 40,000 suspects that usually turn out to watch the action won't be welcomed at the venue itself.

While Maverick's is regarded as one of the world's most dangerous waves, the fact is, there have been far more injuries on the beach during this event's history than in the pounding surf where surfers are competing for huge cash and serious prestige. Last year several fans were swept off the rocks as a giant tidal surge bore down on them. The were plenty of broken bones, as well as cuts, bruises and scratches.

The incident overshadowed an impressive win by South Africa's Chris Bertish in some epic surf.

A few years earlier, in 2006, another fan was seriously injured when a boulder was knocked loose from the bluffs above her by fans hoping to get a better view. While she was sitting on the beach below it landed on her head.

These incidents are one reason why surfers have decided to take control of the event this year.

Yet citing the risks to fans, public officials responsible for the safety of those watching have made it clear that they will not be let on the beach or the bluffs on contest day. Both areas will be closed to the public. The only persons allowed in the vicinity are the surfers themselves and a handful of contest organizers, like Katherine Kelly Clark.

"The best way to watch is at home," Clark insists. "That's the message we want to get out."

The closest fans will be able to get is about a mile away, where a huge jumbo screen will display the event live in High Definition, and the event will also be streamed live at thejayatmavericks.com.

For what it's worth, the home view is almost always better anyway. The viewing from the beach has never been a great experience. Because there's very little power in the PA system, and the surfers themselves are more than a half-mile out to sea, spectators on the scene are constantly left wondering what heat is in the water, who's up and riding, and who might be leading.

With all the focus being put on the broadcast, this could just be the best news that could happen. Organizers might even want to consider rewarding fans who host the biggest and best viewing parties, of which there is likely to be many.