Clif Bar Helps the 2006 Mavericks Surf Contest Go 'Green'

HALF MOON BAY, Calif. Mavericks Surf Ventures (MSV) is proud to announce an innovative partnership with Clif Bar & Co., the nationally recognized eco-friendly food maker, to help make The 2006 Mavericks Surf Contest the first-ever “climate neutral” surfing event. The paddle-in contest which brings together 24 of the world’s best big-wave surfers on just 24 hours’ notice between now and March 31, 2006, has always taken great pride in being environmentally conscious, but this partnership takes the efforts to new heights.

“Big wave surfing requires not only a great deal of skill and courage but also a clean ocean and healthy environment to enjoy it in,” said Ricardo Balazs, sports marketing coordinator for Clif Bar & Co., whose CLIF® BAR energy bar is the official energy food of the Mavericks Surf Contest. “As a company that creates food to sustain active, outdoor people, we believe in taking an active approach to preserving the natural environment that serves as the playground for our passions.”

The goal of the partnership is to minimize the environmental impact of the contest and ensure that the site at Half Moon Bay is left in a pristine condition after the 30,000 spectators leave its cliffs and beaches.

To make this possible, Clif Bar is funding the purchase of enough renewable energy credits from NativeEnergy, a renewable energy firm, to offset the 86.6 tons of CO2 it’s estimated Mavericks competitors and event staff will generate through air travel, ground transport, hotels, boats, jet-skis, aircrafts and generators used during the event. CO2 is a greenhouse gas and the primary cause of global warming, according to climate experts. The energy credits will help fund construction of new wind farms on Native American land, providing an environmental benefit equivalent to taking 5,268 cars off the road for a day.

In addition, Clif Bar and Mavericks will create education stations about composting and recycling, and replant areas of the cliff that will experience increased foot traffic on contest day.

“This is an extremely important initiative for the 2006 Mavericks Surf Contest®,” said Mavericks Surf Ventures Managing Partner Keir Beadling. “We are committed to lessening the impact of the thousands of spectators that will show up and maintaining the pristine beauty of Half Moon Bay. We’re fortunate to have aligned with Clif Bar which has great expertise in doing this for other major sporting events.”

In addition to partnering with Clif Bar, the Mavericks Surf Contest enjoys support from The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), within which the contest takes place, and The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS), which enforces the rules and regulations of the Sanctuary. The following are additional environmental partners and supporters working closely with MSV to ensure that the ocean, beach and surrounding area are protected: San Mateo County Harbor District, The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) and Save the Waves.

About Clif Bar & Co.:

Based in Berkeley, Calif., Clif Bar & Co. is a leading maker of all-natural and organic energy and nutrition foods committed to sustainability from the field to the final product. The company has received local, state and national awards for its environmental efforts, which include multiple initiatives to combat and educate the public about global warming.

About Mavericks Surf Ventures:

Mavericks Surf Ventures, LLC is a partnership between surfing legend Jeff Clark and San Francisco-based sports management and marketing firm Evolve Sports, LLC. Mavericks Surf Ventures produces The Mavericks Surf Contest® and offers apparel and other licensed merchandise under the Mavericks™ brand. Coined as "the wave beyond," Mavericks™ inspires hardcore athletes to face the unpredictably raw power of Mother Nature, and stirs the souls of those who aspire to challenge their own limits. On a date to be determined on 24-hours' notice during the winter season of 2006, 24 invited surfers will battle to determine the next Champion of The Mavericks Surf Contest®.

Source: ASP

>> SURF NEWS INDEX <<