Mavericks Big Wave Contest Window To Open Jan. 1

HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (AP) — Big wave surfing fans will have to wait at least another month to watch the Mavericks surf contest this season.

Contest organizers on Wednesday blamed the delay on a lack of big swells so far this fall, and pushed the opening date for the contest window to Jan 1. The window extends through March 31.

Contest director Jeff Clark said competitors have not had a chance to train in large surf due to the lack of swell, so moving back the contest until after the holidays made sense.

Each year 24 of the world's best big wave surfers get 24-hour notice when a large swell is rolling toward the Pacific Coast.

The one-day contest is invite only, and this year's invitees include Kelly Slater, the 11-time world surfing champion.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.