Covering the Mavericks Surf Contest

[johnastovall]

7 hours and only 5 shoots, a lesson in natures power.

"Sure, the surfers knew they would have to be ready to contend with some of the world’s most daunting surf conditions: 50-foot waves, shallow reefs and powerful currents. It just took the rest of us, spectators and news gatherers alike, some time to realize that we might have issues with the force of the winter ocean as well...Before we pulled away from our dock at Pillar Point Harbor, I nonchalantly listened to the ground rules from the captain. “Hold on to something at all times to brace yourself,” he said. I paid little attention and stayed preoccupied with my camera."


And here's what happened