KPR CORNER...

"Maverick Mania" hit the world by force once again in mid January. It’s estimated more than a million surfing enthusiasts, along with people from all walks of life, logged on to view the spectacular Northern California surfing contest from around the globe by way of the Internet. Fifty thousand more descended on the beaches, bluffs, and cold waters on our nearby coast to see the biggest waves and wildest surf that Mother Nature has to offer. Not to mention the greatest big-wave surfers in all the land who gathered to compete in the infamous Maverick’s surf competition. The world was watching. These skilled and fearless surfers were willing to challenge the up to 50 foot high waves, jagged rocks, shallow reefs, frigid water, and even the threat of Great White Sharks.

The annual contest began in 1999 and occurs each winter when the ocean and weather conditions are just right to produce insanely massive waves. Maverick organizers identified and invited the short list of 24 world-class surfers to participate. The surfers were essentially “on call” and knew that at anytime during the course of the winter, when the waves were at their very highest, they would get the nod to make their way from all parts of the world to Half Moon Bay for the start of the contest. On January 10, the call went out. Competitors had just 48 hours to get to the Bay Area and prepare themselves to face the extreme conditions and thunderous waves.

Surfers are an unusual and special bunch. Not only do they enviously walk to the beat of their own drum and posses the carefree attitude and laidback lifestyle that many crave, but they possess an incredible sense of community. It’s a real brotherhood of “all for one, and one for all”. Sure, it may take awhile to break in to the club, but once you’re in, you’re in for life. The passion and drive of a surfer is also tough to beat—all admirable qualities for sure.

This year, something extraordinary happened at the Maverick’s that clearly demonstrates the utmost in brotherhood and community that captured my attention. While most of us would be scheming to figure out how to show above the rest and best woo the judges with the goal of walking away with the first place cash prize of $30,000, this elite group of surfers played it differently. While floating on their boards a mile and a half off the Half Moon Bay coast, the five finalists, in the midst of full celebration of life, love for the big wave, and brotherhood, agreed to stick together and regardless of ranking by the judges, split the total prize pool of $57,000, giving each rider $9,500. Now that’s a generous gesture that you don’t see every day!

There’s definitely something to be learned from the surfing community that can be applied to both our professional and personal lives. The world would no doubt be a better place if we thought a bit less about #1 and instead put that effort into the celebration and advancement of community—whether it be your family, friends, immediate work group or department, or company. Group hug.

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