2008 Mavericks Champion Crowned:

AP

There is just something about photos from Mavericks that gives me a sickening feeling in my stomach.  It's not like other surf contests that have glassy waves and clear blue tropical water.  Those contests that have waves with nice shoulders and chicks in bikinis waiting for you on the beach so they can lei you.  Mavericks is different.  Water temperatures in the low 50's or high 40's with dark foreboding, heavy, monstrous waves exploding behind tiny little surfers in thick wet suits, hoods and booties.  Nothing waiting for you on shore but Granola Chicks that haven't showered yet this year wearing your dad's flannel shirt.  It just looks miserable, I can't believe people do this sort of thing for fun.