Jay at Maverick’s Big Wave event begins wait period

Most of the 24 invitees to the Jay — including nine from Santa Cruz — gathered outside the Oceano Hotel to pick their places in the lineup for the 2010-11 contest, formerly known as the Maverick’s Surf Contest. The day began with a touching opening ceremony honoring beloved Santa Cruz surfer Jay Moriarity, for whom the contest is named, and a paddle out and ceremonial surf ring in the calm waters by the reef break.

The official contest waiting period begins Wednesday and continues through Feb. 28. The invitees get to vote on contest-worthy swells. Once the majority picks one, they will have 24-hours notice to get to the break near Half Moon Bay.

“I don’t think people really know what an honor it is to be standing here among these 30 world-class guys,” said defending Mav’s champion Chris Bertish of South Africa as he stood board to board with contestants, organizers and surf community notables on Maverick’s Beach. “Jay is truly the epitome of what big wave surfing is all about. It’s about respect for others, the brotherhood of big wave surfing and to have a smile on your face every time you go out. I’m stoked to be here.”

Bertish ended up in Heat 3, along with first-time invitee Ryan Augenstein and perennial finalist Tyler Smith, both of Santa Cruz. Shane Dorian and Nathan Fletcher of Hawaii and Alex Martins of San Francisco also will surf in Heat 3.
Heat #1 (in order):
Shane Desmond
Anthony Tashnick
Grant Washburn
Ryan Seelbach
Kelly Slater
Mark Healey

Heat #2:
Kenny Collins
Jamie Sterling
Grant Baker
Zach Wormhoudt
Greg Long
Dave Wassel

Heat #3:
Chris Bertish
Shane Dorian
Ryan Augenstein
Alex Martins
Nathan Fletcher
Tyler Smith

Heat #4:
Carlos Burle
Rusty Long
Peter Mel
Shawn Dollar
Darryl Virostko
Matt Ambrose