HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (KCBS) -- The public will get its first look tonight, at a new plan to manage the large crowds that are expected for the annual Mavericks Surf Contest, which has been known to draw tens of thousands of spectators to the San Mateo County coastline.
The plan has been in the works for over a year, and is being unveiled just before the window opens for the big wave-riding contest to take place. The window was moved this year, meaning it could happen as early as next month.
”Two years ago was the last time the Mavericks surf event was held. It was a beautiful day, one of the most gorgeous days on the coast, and we were overwhelmed with people,” said San Mateo County Supervisor Rich Gordon.
The crowd-control plan will address gridlock and assign clearly labeled parking spots, in addition to protecting the natural environment.
”There were some issues last time with folks on tide pools and in bluffs. The organizers have worked very closely with the National Marine Sanctuary of the Gulf of the Farallones to establish protocols,” said Gordon.
Organizers also will aim to minimize the size of the crowd by offering live streaming of the contest online, and on giant screens in AT&T Park in San Francisco.
(MGO)