San Clemente surfer wins, splits the money with other finalists

Greg Long, a surfer from San Clemente, won the Mavericks big wave surfing competition on Saturday. He and five other finalists agreed to split the winnings regardless of who won, reports the Mercury News. 

During an early lull in the one-hour final, before anyone had taken a wave, someone made a suggestion: Why not share the $75,000 in prize money up for grabs instead of dishing a big chunk ($30,000) to the winner? It was less a vote against the competitive nature of the contest than a nod for what their chosen passion represents.

"It was a little slow out there," Long said. "We were just laughing and talking about how amazing our lives are. I think we all agreed: It’s not about the money; it’s about the love of it."

The County Times recounts the final waves of the event.