Tension is rising as Maverick’s looms

A lot of surfers thought the waves at Maverick’s were perfect last Thursday. But the organizers didn’t begin the competition, despite the fact that half the invitees are in town and the Christmas holiday is looming.

"Some guys said they thought it was too big," [Maverick’s Surf Ventures founding partner and spokesman Keir] Beadling said. "That’s obviously a concern. There is a wave height that you can’t paddle into safely. Some guys will give you different answers (as to what that height is). But there is a wave height that is dangerous."

It turned out to be a fortunate choice for other reasons. The afternoon fog would have blinded surfers in the water. But everyone is on edge waiting for the event to begin.