InfoAnda - Walls of water overwhelm N. Calif. surfing contest

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Seoul shares open down;N.Korea-related issues fall | 18 May 2009
Sharp to win bank nod for $2.7 billion bailout as early as Thursday: source | | 25 September 2012
Even before opening, cutbacks at science museum | 13 June 2009

AP source: Obama to nominate Bernanke to 2nd term | 25 August 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Walls of water overwhelm N. Calif. surfing contest

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Walls of water overwhelm N. Calif. surfing contest By PAUL ELIAS,Associated Press Writer - Sunday, February 14 Send IM Story Print HALF MOON BAY, Calif. – Despite big wave warnings, two walls of water caught dozens of spectators off-guard and knocked them to a rocky beach as they watched a Northern California surfing contest Saturday, leaving some with broken bones but sparing them from being pulled into the ocean. Thirteen people swept from a seawall had significant injuries, including broken legs and hands, said California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Battalion Chief Scott Jalbert. He reduced the official count from the 15 reported earlier in the day but said others treated at the beach for injuries such as scrapes and bruises were not included in the total. At least three of the injured were taken to hospitals. Jalbert estimated "a couple hundred" people were on the seawall at the southern tip of Mavericks Beach when the waves struck, upstaging the surfing competition that draws some of the world's top surfers. The waves were 5 feet to 6 feet high by the time they hit _ "small but strong," he said. But no one was actually swept away into the ocean, he said. "It's hard to explain how much water was moving around out there," said the champion Chris Bertish, who spent 36 hours traveling from South Africa to Half Moon Bay for the contest. "I took the worse beating of my life out there." The Mavericks Surf Contest offers a $150,000 purse, making it the most lucrative big-wave contest in the world, even though it is held only when conditions are prime. Bertish bested 23 other elite surfers and said he'll spend part of his $50,000 in prize money paying back his brother and two friends who loaned him money to buy his airplane ticket. Competitors voted to schedule the contest because forecasts called for record-breaking tall waves off the beach about 25 miles south of San Francisco, despite warnings that strong winds could make those breakers dangerously unpredictable. Additional firefighters had been on the way Saturday to clear the beach because of dangerous conditions but arrived too late, Jalbert said. But only after the unexpected large waves hit during high tide did the National Weather Service post a high surf warning until 10 p.m. Saturday. The agency previously posted a less severe high surf advisory. "It's a force of nature that can't be predicted," Jalbert said. "We were very lucky that nobody was swept out to sea." Second place in the contest went to Shane Desmond of Santa Cruz. The other winners were: Anthony Tashnick, Santa Cruz, third place; Dave Wessel, Kailua, Hawaii, fourth; Carlos Burke, Burle, Brazil, fifth; and Kenny Collins, Santa Cruz, sixth. The two surprise waves knocked out barricades, a spectator platform and a large scaffold holding speakers broadcasting the contest, held in this tiny harbor town along Highway 1. Marsha Poulin, of nearby El Granada, was at the water's edge minutes before the first rogue wave struck. She said she was concerned that organizers were letting spectators get so close to the ocean, given the conditions. "Just because they were letting us be here doesn't mean it was safe," said Poulin, who left for higher ground just in time. Brandon Snider, who got his injured knee taped up by a contest volunteer, said everyone was concentrating on the contest. "It just came out of nowhere and wiped us all out," said Pamela Massette of Corte Madera. Her left hand and left knee were scraped and bleeding and she was wet from head to toe. At least two more rogue waves came through the same area during the high tide, reaching the seawall, knocking down more spectators and sending others fleeing in panic. The subsequent waves were not as large or strong as the first two and did not cause any apparent additional injuries. Spectators lost cameras, cell phones and backpacks as the waves swept the seawall. Authorities yelled for people to get back from the shore after the waves struck but could not use the public address system because it had been swept away. Officials were not allowing any new spectators to reach the beach, though they were allowing those already there to stay. Bystanders from the seawall were moved about 100 yards back from the water after the chaos. Two volunteers posted a makeshift leader board. "This is probably the biggest and best contest we've had," said Ion Banner, 40, of Half Moon Bay, who was eliminated from the competition Saturday morning. "It was consistently bombing." He and fellow competitor Tim West estimated the waves were 20 to 25 feet measured from the back, with 40-foot faces. "It was amazing out there. It definitely lives up to the hype," said West, 29, of Half Moon Bay, after he was eliminated from his first Mavericks contest. The competition included 24 world-class surfers. "If they did Mavericks with little waves, it wouldn't be Mavericks," said Diana Henderson, a National Weather Service Forecaster in nearby Monterey. ____ Associated Press Writer Don Thompson contributed to this report from Sacramento. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Yemeni rebels to hand over Saudi soldiers - report Reuters - 50 minutes ago West African cocaine use rises along smuggling routes Reuters - 1 hour 9 minutes ago Yemeni helicopter crash kills 10 soldiers: witnesses AFP - 1 hour 18 minutes ago Yanukovich wins Ukraine presidency - election body Reuters - 1 hour 23 minutes ago U.S. Marines under fire in former Taliban stronghold Reuters - 1 hour 37 minutes ago News Search Top Stories EU takes Greek economy under its wing Troubled Winter Olympics gets into medal mode Dutch tourist shot in Carnival mugging in Rio: police US approves American Airlines, 'oneworld' alliance expansion Greek crisis could force change in EU economy pact More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Spain fails to shake off recession Dutch tourist shot in Carnival mugging in Rio: police Troubled Winter Olympics gets into medal mode British fashion designer Alexander McQueen found dead US approves American Airlines, 'oneworld' alliance expansion More Most Viewed » Pitt, Jolie sue British paper over split claims Fury heats up after new AIG bonuses Sugary soft drinks linked to pancreatic cancer: study More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Sunday, 14 February 2010
Israel general doubts power to hit Iran atom sites |
Spanish police arrest ETA car-bombing suspect |
Yemeni Shi'ite rebels deny assassination attempt |
Ukraine's Tymoshenko vows to fight rival's election |
At Rio Carnival, a pressing problem |
Scorsese eyes new film project with Robert De Niro |
Clinton seeks more Arab pressure on Iran
Greek crisis could force change in EU economy pact
India says few clues to bomb, denies intelligence failure |
IT revolution an achilles heel for Swiss bank secrecy
Dutch tourist shot in Carnival mugging in Rio: police
Heavy rainfalls hit Mecca amid holiday
Former US officials in cyberattack simulation
Afghan flag-raising in NATO offensive draws gunfire |
Ban forces rivals of Iraqi PM to halt campaign
Rome police uncover 500,000 tonnes of fake goods
String of Iraq bomb attacks target poll candidates |
US approves American Airlines, 'oneworld' alliance expansion
Suspended animation coming to life: researcher
Israel general doubts power to hit Iran atom sites
Indians get particular about online marriage
Recovery 'fragile' for eurozone: Bank of Italy chief
Bashir starts Sudan election campaign with a jig |
Volkswagen recalls 20,000 cars in Mexico
Campaigning kicks off in Sudan presidential poll
Critics of Jordan's U.S. ties charged with sedition
America's Cup showcases latest sailing technology
Polish PM condemns Belarus crackdown on Polish minority
Iraq election officials confirm Sunni candidate ban
Microsoft co-founder Gates tackling climate change
Heavy rainfalls hit Mecca amid holiday |
Eurozone recovery stalls amid Greek rescue doubts
Major Afghan assault claims first Taliban casualties
Games open in Canada's wintry indoor paradise
Obama calls for new spending cuts
Probe slams Eurostar over badly prepared trains
Afghan, US troops meet Marjah resistance: official
Europe's economic recovery stalls: data
Google mulls stand-alone version of Buzz
Google Buzz tweaked amid privacy complaints
Assault on Taliban in southern Afghanistan begins: NATO
Fashion icon McQueen found dead in apparent suicide
Google founder Brin wants way to work with China
Qaeda threatens to stop Iraq vote, as campaign opens
America's Cup showcases latest sailing technology
McQueen: beloved bad boy of British fashion
Euro slumps to lowest point vs dollar since May
Motorola to split into two publicly traded companies in 2011
Clinton wants Saudis to prod China on Iran sanctions
Ford says will file his 1st NY resident tax return
Feds deny BART $70M for Oakland airport connector
Police: Sheriff's sergeant kills 2 women and self
Judge finds grounds to sanction Arizona sheriff
Obama getting briefed on Afghanistan operation
India says few clues to bomb, denies intelligence failure
Summary Box: Anthem to delay insurance rate hike
Freed Suu Kyi deputy calls for Myanmar dialogue
Plans advance for Golden Gate Bridge suicide nets
Pakistan flung into fresh turmoil
Anthem to delay insurance rate hike amid criticism
Bombs, booby-traps slow US advance in Afghan town
Obama nuke plant loan reflects new energy strategy
Apparent bomb kills 8 in Indian bakery, 42 injured
Bombs slow US advance in Afghan town
Crash could force Japan's Fujimori out
Zvonareva, Tamarine power to Pattaya final
UN envoy to probe human rights in Myanmar
Eight killed in India terror attack
China's economic rise has silver lining for Japan
10,000 Chinese visit Taiwan on Lunar New Year's Day
Toyota finds no problem with electronics: reports
Preservation campaigners cover Hollywood sign
Pork-flavored doughnuts? A Chinese market beckons
Live or Memorex? `Avatar' raises Oscar question
Report: Toyota chief visits dealership, apologizes
India's Bharti makes bid for Kuwait's Zain assets
Pakistani c.bank buys 107.95 bln rupees of govt paper
Japan's Shinsei, Aozora banks halt merger: reports
Toyota suspends production of Lexus, Sai hybrids
Intel teams up with China's investment fund
Lucille Clifton, award-winning poet, dies at 73
Stuntman and actor Bobby Hoy dies at 82
After somber start, color punctuates New York runways
Poet urges fellow Haitians to ride out their misery
Guggenheim artists fill 'void' with ideas
Sri Lanka's legendary doorman turns 90
Networks' use of luge video disturbs some
Madonna to appear on 'The Marriage Ref'
Pickup hits bus carrying country singer's band
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Make life a game and save the world
Netanyahu to lobby in Russia for Iran sanctions
EU takes Greek economy under its wing
Yemen rebels to hand over Saudi soldiers
India says investigating blast, Pakistan talks on |
Troubled Winter Olympics gets into medal mode
Pope to meet Irish bishops on child abuse scandal |
Yemeni rebels to hand over Saudi soldiers: report |
Lebanon 'March 14' supporters rally for slain Hariri
Yanukovich wins Ukraine presidency: election body |
Dalai Lama urges Tibetans not to celebrate New Year |
Immigrants riot in Milan after Egyptian killed |
Bashir starts Sudan election campaign with a jig
Pakistani PM plays down crisis over judges |
String of Iraq bomb attacks target poll candidates
Netanyahu to lobby in Russia for Iran sanctions |
West African cocaine use rises along smuggling routes |
Start obesity prevention in the cradle, study urges
Accused Alabama Campus Shooter Killed Brother 24 Years Ago
Florida Shooting Rampage Suspect Arrested
Amber Alert Called Off For Abducted California Kids
For roving US Army unit, Strykers are their homes
US missile raid 'kills seven' militants in Pakistan
Toyota Announces Inspection Recall Of 8,000 Tacoma Trucks
Tibetans shun New Year celebrations for 2nd year
Accused Alabama prof shot, killed brother in 1986
U.S. drone kills five in northwest Pakistan
Russia wants Bulgaria explanation on US missile shield
Tongans pray as cyclone threatens direct hit
Walls of water overwhelm N. Calif. surfing contest
Pakistani PM plays down crisis, opposition pounces
Bomb explodes near Thai govt, 2nd found near court
Officials: US missiles kill 5 in NW Pakistan
Fireworks, prayers greet Year of the Tiger
Sri Lankan Buddhists: Release opposition leader
Struggling 'Czech Hollywood' pins hope on state aid
Chinese Coen brothers remake thrills Berlin festival |
South African wins Mr Gay World pageant
Chinese remake of Coen brothers film screens in Berlin
China's young graduates live 'ant's' life
Baghdad battles to preserve its battered heritage
Africa's league of fashionable gentlemen 'sapeurs'
Struggling 'Czech Hollywood' pins hope on state aid
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01