It’s been months since the last major storm touched down on the California coast, but that hasn’t stopped major wave action from hitting our shores. The swell has been pumping all this week and it’s big enough for organizers to call the Maverick’s Invitational surf contest this week.

The contest will arrive Friday with some of the best big wave surfers in the world tackling a swell that is forecasted to hit 40 feet.

“Changes in the offshore weather prompted a postponement until today for the official announcement,” said contest director Jeff Clark during the announcement. “There was concern for a south wind and giant swell, which could have posed danger not only for competitors but for all boats out in the water.

The beach and cliffs at Mavericks is off limits during the contest but a viewing area will be open at 7:30am at the Oceano Hotel & Spa in Princeton Harbor. The contest will also be streamed live on the contest website and on the Universal Sports Network TV station starting at 1:30pm

2013-14 Competitors
Ryan Augenstein (Santa Cruz, CA)
Grant Baker (South Africa)
Chris Bertish (South Africa)
Carlos Burle (Brazil)
Kohl Christensen (Hawaii)
Ken Collins (Santa Cruz, CA)
Shawn Dollar (Santa Cruz, CA)
Shane Dorian (Hawaii)
Colin Dwyer (Pacifica, CA)
Nathan Fletcher (San Clemente, CA)
Tyler Fox (Aptos, CA)
Mark Healey (Hawaii)
Nic Lamb (Santa Cruz, CA)
Greg Long (San Clemente, CA)
Rusty Long (San Clemente, CA)
Alex Martins (Brazil)
Peter Mel (Santa Cruz, CA)
Ryan Seelbach (San Francisco, CA)
Jamie Sterling (Hawaii)
Anthony Tashnick (Santa Cruz, CA)
Grant Washburn (San Francisco, CA)
Dave Wassell (Hawaii)
Ben Wilkinson (Australia)
Zach Wormhoudt (Santa Cruz, CA)

2013-14 ALTERNATES:
1. Shane Desmond (Santa Cruz, CA)
2. Danilo Couto (Brazil)
3. Derek Dunfee (San Diego, CA)
4. Kelly Slater (Cocoa Beach, FL)
5. Tyler Smith (Santa Cruz, CA)
6. Frank Solomon (South Africa)

• Tag: Mavericks