Something new is taking shape
Please read my article: Hey guys, Mavericks needs women
The 2015/2016 big wave surf season was packed with historic milestones for women athletes.
Keala Kennelly won the Pure Scot Barrel of the Year Award at the 2016 Big Wave Awards. Ms. Kennelly's groundbreaking performance pitted her athletic skill against the top men in the world.
Andrea Moller also won best Women's Performance of the Year. It was a great night for women’s competitive big wave surfing.
The 16th annual awards gala was held at the The Grove Theater in Anaheim. The event celebrated the greatest rides of the past year and honored the big wave community.
News Feed
AUG 25, 2017
San Mateo Daily Journal - Samantha Weigel
World Surf League strikes Mavericks deal
Harbor District Commissioner Sabrina Brennan, who’s advocated on behalf of the Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing, said she’s pleased the WSL may bolster their efforts.
“I support women being included in the event and clearly the WSL has a proven track record of including women in the Big Wave World Tour,” Brennan said. “I hope that everyone on the [Harbor District] board is supportive of what’s in the best interest of the athletes, the fans and San Mateo County.”
AUG 24, 2017
Mercury News - Elliot Almond
Mavericks surf contest sold; will there be an event this winter?
Some welcomed the Big Wave Tour’s takeover that will give the surfers a platform to showcase their talent. The contest would be particularly meaningful for six women invitees competing at the fearsome wave for the first time. Women were included last year before Cartel canceled the tournament because of financial struggles.
“The WSL has a track record of inclusion of women so it makes me feel good,” Harbor commissioner Sabrina Brennan said. “It’s a start.”
News of the sale was bittersweet for Jeff Clark, who remains frustrated over losing control of his event to Cartel. But the famed surfer is “stoked it’s the WSL,” he said Thursday.
“It’s going to be a good event,” added Clark, who hopes to be involved with WSL organizers. “I’m sad to see Cartel get away with what they did. They’ve gotten away with it for now but they will get their due.”
AUG 24, 2017
Wall Street Journal - Katy Stech
World Surf League to Take Over Titans of Mavericks Contest
Under the proposed deal, World Surf League wouldn’t buy the Titans of Mavericks trademark or the social media accounts used to promote the event, though it could refer to past contests and use some of the published content without paying royalty money.
The trademark’s ownership would remain with Mr. Guess, who said his company and related affiliates spent more than $3 million developing and marketing the Titans of Mavericks brand. Mr. Guess, in turn, has promised not to use the Titans of Mavericks brand when naming future surfing contests.
“The event and brand I created generated a global audience for the event unlike anything before and I look forward to the WSL and their leadership continuing the success of the athletes, the event and the Mavericks community at large,” Mr. Guess said in an unpublished press release that was filed in court.
The contest organizer filed for chapter 11 protection on Jan. 31, facing more than $1.5 million in debt. Its lawyers said that the event “faced operating difficulties arising from delayed sponsor payments, political complications, costly litigation and the need to maintain their necessary permits.”
The contest’s revenue came from sponsorship deals with Red Bull, Clif Bar, Fox Sports and Pandora Internet Radio, along with proceeds accruing from branded clothing, hats, posters and stickers, court papers said.
AUG 24, 2017
Stab Magazine - Jake Howard
AUG 24, 2017
The Inertia - Chase Scheinbaum
World Surf League Wants to Purchase Mavericks Contest Permit for $525,000
“The WSL demonstrated their commitment to women athletes when Paige Alms became the first-ever Pe’ahi Challenge women’s champion. The Harbor Commission has an opportunity to support Mavericks becoming part of the Big Wave Tour,” says Sabrina Brennan, one of the harbor commissioners.
AUG 24, 2017
NBC Bay Area - Robert Handa
Mavericks Surf Contest May Resurface In Possible Deal With World Surfing League
AUG 24, 2017
Mercury News - Julie Jag
Mavericks surf contest permit could be sold to WSL
Cartel Management, Inc., on Wednesday sought approval from a bankruptcy court to sell some of its assets to the WSL.
According to documents filed with the United States Bankruptcy Court Central District’s Los Angeles Division and obtained by the Sentinel, “The Purchased Assets specifically include, without limitation, the Special Use Permit Number 2016-01 (5-Year term: 2016/2017 through 2020/2021) issued by the San Mateo County Harbor District.”
The sale of the five-year permit would be contingent on the harbor district approving the sale and the transfer of the permit at its Sept. 20 meeting. The permit serves as the cornerstone among more than a dozen permits needed to host the contest at the big-wave break near Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay.
AUG 14, 2017
Santa Cruz Waves - Aloe Driscoll
In addition to a successful career as a professional surfer, Julie Cox has an impressive track record as an entrepreneur: her most recent endeavor is Traveler Surf & Swim Club, which offers a warm haven from the cold waters of Pacifica.
AUG 13, 2017
Red Bull Surf Video
Watch world's bravest surfers going huge in Puerto Escondido
Video features Bianca Valenti surfing Puerto Escondido
JULY 29, 2017
Surfline - Devyn Bisson
10 Female Surf Filmmakers You Should Know
JULY 27, 2017
LA Times - David Carrillo Peñaloza
Courtney Conlogue to contend at U.S. Open of Surfing
JULY 21, 2017
Orange County Register - Corky Carroll
Bethany Hamilton a great addition to Surfers Hall of Fame
“Good work by the Surfers Hall of Fame in inducting Bethany Hamilton this year.”
JULY 19, 2017
The Inertia - Chase Scheinbaum
JULY 19, 2017
Surfline
With this role, Sophie Goldschmidt becomes one of the few female executives to lead a global sports league for both male and female professional athletes. She’ll move from London to Santa Monica and start in August.
JUNE 14, 2017
Half Moon Bay Review - Carina Woudenberg
WSL puts in offer for Mavericks
“We are very interested in working with the community and the community leaders to hold a 2017/2018 event,” said Jonathan Marshall, chief operating officer for the WSL, on Friday. “We are exploring whatever opportunities exist and we will only do this as a partner with the community.”
JUNE 14, 2017
Stab Magazine - Jake Howard
The WSL Makes A Play To Take Over The Mavericks Event
The WSL confirmed to Stab that an offer was made after Cartel cancelled a planned auction of their assets scheduled for June 1 and before a June 7 court hearing and was declined.
JUNE 14, 2017
SURFER - Matthew B. Shaw
Cartel has blamed Mavericks Invitational officials (Jeff Clark, Cassandra Clark, & Brian Overfelt) and the San Mateo Harbor District for scaring away bidders.
JUNE 14, 2017
Mercury News - Elliott Almond
“If there is an opportunity for the WSL to acquire those assets we will,” Dave Prodan said. “If they opt to sell those assets to another party, the WLS will reach out to another party to see if a partnership could be formed. If there is not a deal to be made with Cartel, the WSL will still pursue any other available avenues with regards to obtaining the correct permits to run an event.”
JUNE 3, 2017
San Mateo Daily Journal - Samantha Weigel
Surf contest pulled from auction: Cartel postpones Mavericks sale, remains in bankruptcy
“I think they’re playing the blame game and this is probably embarrassing for them, that they didn’t have a bunch of people lining up to fork over $1 million and they’re blaming people for it,” Brennan said.
Ultimately, Brennan said she just wants to see a suitable group run Mavericks, particularly as for the first time women must be included in the contest.
JUNE 2, 2017
GrindTV - Margaret Steelie
A guide to surfing in the Bay Area
JUNE 2, 2017
Santa Cruz Sentinel - Michael Todd
No auction held for Mavericks contest owners, surf competition unlikely next season
“It’s one thing when it’s mother nature. It’s another thing when it’s mismanagement,” Brennan said.
“The sooner this gets resolved, the better,” Brennan said. “This is putting the main event in jeopardy. There were good surf days last season where they could have called the event. I’m very hopeful that a well-organized group will surface.”
JUNE 1, 2017
Surfline - Marcus Sanders
Cancelled: No Bidders at Maverick's Event Auction
As Jeff Clark told Surfline, “it’s gonna be kind of a mess right now.”
This is mostly due to the many permits required to run the event. Harbor commissioner Sabrina Brennan told NBC Bay Area “she had no confidence Cartel will salvage the situation, saying, ‘This is a strategic retreat, because no one bid on what appears to be a worthless asset.’”
The asset in question is the main permit for the event. According to Clark and Brian Overfelt, who, along with Clark’s wife Cassandra make up Maverick’s Invitational, the permit was never really the Titans’ to sell. They both assert that Cartel Management — the Titans’ parent company — illegally got the Maverick’s Invitational name dropped from the permit. And, they both claim the permit was never transferable in the first place. (Hence Brennan’s “worthless asset” comment above.)
Griffin Guess, Titans’ CEO, meanwhile, asserts both that, “I don't think [Brennan] is qualified whatsoever to evaluate our organization,” and that, “The permit is clearly in Cartel's name.”
As you’d imagine, all of this will translate to more lawyers and public meetings and local political infighting — which has sadly been a part of this event since the beginning. As of press time, it’s all still pretty unclear as to what's going to happen next.
JUNE 1, 2017
Wall Street Journal - Jonathan Randles
Mavericks Surf Contest Organizers Call Off Bankruptcy Auction
The Harbor Commission raised objections to the auction, asking for time to review any potential purchaser.
Ms. Brennan said she hoped the bankruptcy gets resolved quickly so whoever runs the Mavericks event in the future has enough time to organize the contest for the upcoming season.
JUNE 1, 2017
San Jose Mercury News - Elliot Almond
Brakes pumped on public sale of Mavericks surf contest
The Harbor District filed an objection to the auction process with the court because officials want to make sure whoever takes control of the event can meet the permit’s financial and safety conditions.
“The Harbor District is supposed to be the lead agency for the event,” said Brennan, the commissioner most outspoken about contest issues. “I don’t think we’ve lived up to that responsibility.”
Brennan said the commission didn’t properly vet Cartel before issuing the permit and needs to streamline a system for issuing permission to hold the event.
JUNE 1, 2017
SFGATE - Michelle Robertson
Mavericks surf contest auction cancelled due to no bidders
JUNE 1, 2017
Stab Magazine - Jake Howard
So Apparently, Now You Can’t Buy The Mavericks' Comp
If there’s one thing that’s more predictable than an afternoon west wind in Northern California it’s that the Titans of Mavericks and Cartel Management will continue to upstage their own absurdity.
MAY 31, 2017
NBC Bay Area - Robert Handa
Mavericks Organizer Cancels Auction, Citing No Bidders
Cartel Managment said there were no actual bidders, despite what they initially called widespread interest.
Harbor Commissioner Sabrina Brennan said she had no confidence Cartel will salvage the situation, saying, “This is a strategic retreat because no one bid on what appears to be a worthless asset.”
MAY 25, 2017
NBC Bay Area - Robert Handa
More Legal Maneuvering in Mavericks Surf Saga
"We're concerned whoever obtains the permit is capable of running the event and has the financial resources to pull it off, “Brennan said. "We're worried about public safety and the safety of the athletes.”
“We also believe Cartel is misleading potential buyers by listing some permits, including one from the Coastal Commission, which have expired.”
Brennan added there is still some question on whether Cartel legally has the rights to the harbor district permit since the district board never saw the final permit, which attorneys representing Cartel and the district changed without board approval.
MAY 12, 2017
Law Street - Jillian Sequeira
Surf Equity: Titans of Mavericks and Beyond
“Brennan went to work presenting the case that the competition was excluding women.”
MAY 12, 2017
San Mateo Daily Journal - Samantha Weigel
“The permit is not assignable without consent of the Harbor District,” Brennan said, adding bidders should realize “when you hand over $1 million, you might get a permit but it has Cartel’s name on it, not your own. ...There’s going to be a lot of work to be done. It’s just simply not for sale.”
MAY 12, 2017
Mercury News - Elliott Almond
Who will win contentious bidding war over Mavericks surf contest?
MAY 9, 2017
Wall Street Journal - Stephanie Gleason
MAY 9, 2017
Silicon Valley Business Journal - Jody Meacham
Harbor Commission calls foul on Mavericks surf contest auction plan
The San Mateo County Harbor Commission has spent an estimated $200,000 in legal fees because of the Mavericks bankruptcy, which wiped out last winter’s big-wave surf contest.
MAY 9, 2017
San Mateo Daily Journal - Samantha Weigel
“It doesn’t appear to be in the district’s best interest, or the best interest of the public and the athletes to allow an unfit individual, organization or company to purchase the Harbor District permit,” Brennan said. “It would be very speculative on anybody’s part to spend $1 million for literally nothing tangible.”
Brennan, who noted she didn’t vote to give Cartel a multi-season permit, said the district unwittingly created an asset. She said the Coastal Commission thankfully also has a role in deciding who leads the contest. But in the meantime, due to Cartel being at the discretion of bankruptcy court, the permits and assets have been frozen.
“It’s a very difficult situation because as much as I want a great organization to show up and run the event professionally for the athletes and fans and for the community, we’re just sort of in limbo,” she said.
MAY 8, 2017
Pacifica Tribune - Dayla Soul
MAY 8, 2017
2017 WSL Big Wave Awards - Dayla Soul & Jody Banks
MAY 8, 2017
Los Angeles Times - Dan Weikel
Mavericks big wave contest plans to auction business assets amid bankruptcy proceedings
“That is the sad state of affairs at this time,” Brennan said.
MAY 8, 2017
Stab Magazine - Jake Howard
"Substantially" You Can Purchase The Titans Of Mavs Assets For $1 Mil
MAY 7, 2017
Sound Cloud - Sabrina Brennan
Cartel Bankruptcy Hearing: March 8, 2017
MAY 6, 2017
Los Angeles Times - Dan Weikel
Coastal Commission is on a shoestring budget, and Trump won't make it any better
“The budget has been a challenge ever since I arrived at the commission in early 1989,” said Jack Ainsworth, the agency’s executive director. “We have wanted to provide good service to our constituents, but we haven’t always been able to do that. It’s been frustrating.”
MAY 6, 2017
BBC News - Joanna Jolly
Fighting for equality in big-wave surfing
Brennan's presentation argued that if a permit was given as things stood, women would be excluded from coastal access, and the commissioners agreed, demanding that the organisers of Titans of Mavericks should come back within a year with a plan to include women.
MAY 6, 2017
The Inertia - Chase Scheinbaum
Got $1 Million? The Mavericks Big Wave Contest Permit May Go Up for Auction Next Month
MAY 5, 2017
Santa Cruz Sentinel - Jim Seimas
Big Wave Surfing: Cartel Management Inc. to auction off assets
MARCH 15, 2017
Half Moon Bay Review - Kaitlyn Bartley
Meet Coastside’s young ocean guardian
MARCH 7, 2017
Los Angeles Times - Steve Lopez
Why the new Coastal Commission chief is a good bet to defend California's beaches
MARCH 3, 2017
SF Gate - Peter Fimrite
SF Supervisor Aaron Peskin named to California Coastal Commission
MARCH 3, 2017
NBC Bay Area - Robert Handa
New Legal Issue Pits Titans of Mavericks Organizers Against Its Main Sponsor
MARCH 3, 2017
BBC World Service Outlook - Audio Interview
Surfing at Mavericks: 'The waves can lift boulders'
FEBRUARY 21, 2017
Silicon Valley Business Journal - Jody Meacham
Former Mavericks partners quarrel over surf event's permit
FEBRUARY 16, 2017
Silicon Valley Business Journal - Jody Meacham
Dude, what happened to Mavericks? Inside the crest and crash of an epic contest
FEBRUARY 4, 2017
NBC Bay Area - Robert Handa
The Cartel's Griffin Guess files bankruptcy & wipes out Mavericks
Bianca Valenti, Grant Washburn, and Sabrina Brennan talk with Robert Handa on NBC Bay Area.
FEBRUARY 4, 2017
KRON 4 - Gabe Slate
The Cartel's Griffin Guess wipes out Mavericks surf contest
Sabrina Brennan talks with Gabe Slate on KRON 4.
FEBRUARY 3, 2017
New York Times - John Clark, Sports Columnist
Mavericks, a Premier Surfing Event, Is Canceled Amid Financial Woes
FEBRUARY 1, 2017
San Francisco Chronicle - Bruce Jenkins, Sports Columnist
Frustrated Mavericks surfers long for simpler times
FEBRUARY 1, 2017
Los Angeles Times - Dan Weikel
Bankruptcy filings threaten to wipe out this season's Mavericks surfing contest
FEBRUARY 1, 2017
Silicon Valley Business Journal - Jody Meacham
Mavericks wipes out; can it recover?
JANUARY 31, 2017
NBC Bay Area - Robert Handa
Mavericks Surf Contest Organizers File For Bankruptcy
JANUARY 18, 2017
Stab Magizine - Jake Howard
Stormy, With A Chance Of Lawsuit!
CHRISTMAS DAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2016
San Francisco Chronicle - Bruce Jenkins, Sports Columnist
Big-wave breakthrough: Female surfer leads Mavericks revolution
CHRISTMAS DAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2016
San Francisco Chronicle - Bruce Jenkins, Sports Columnist
First wave: The women chosen to surf Mavericks
CHRISTMAS DAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2016
San Francisco Chronicle - Bruce Jenkins, Sports Columnist
How ‘Outer Bar Babes’ are transforming big-wave surfing
CHRISTMAS DAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2016
San Francisco Chronicle - Bruce Jenkins, Sports Columnist
Tales of courage among female big-wave surfers
DECEMBER 15, 2016
Peninsula Press - Jane Nevins, Stanford Journalism Program
Women to make history surfing big-wave contest, but struggles for equality remain
“For women to have the same opportunities, to be a big-wave surfer and make a living at it, you have to have the opportunities to compete in contests, to have your photo taken to get sponsors,” said Jennifer Savage, policy director for the environmental activist network Surfrider.
Sarah Gerhardt watched friends struggling to make a living surfing without sponsors because they didn’t have a certain look. So, Gerhardt decided not to surf professionally, and instead, focused on her teaching career. She is a tenured professor and chair of the chemistry department at Monterey Peninsula College.
Women will have the opportunity to compete this year largely because of one woman’s crusade. Sabrina Brennan, the San Mateo County Harbor Commissioner, fought for a separate women’s heat at Mavericks.
Video Produced by Jane Nevins, interview on Nov. 30, 2016
DECEMBER 8, 2016
Boston Globe - Shira Springer
9 women’s sports stories from 2016 worth another look
The 2016-17 event will include a one-hour heat for six female surfers with $30,000 in prize money at stake. That’s a big breakthrough. Almost as big as the three- and four-story waves you’ll find at Mavericks. And it happened because female surfers lobbied the California Coastal Commission, which made female inclusion a condition of its permit. Clearly, you shouldn’t mess with fearless women who surf the biggest waves.
DECEMBER 1, 2016
The Inertia - Kendra A. Gardner
Why Women Are Striving (and Charging) for Equality in More Ways than One
DECEMBER 1, 2016
Adventure Sports - Haven Livingston
Big Wave Women—Female talent in the spotlight at Pe‘ahi Challenge and Titans of Mavericks
NOVEMBER 28, 2016
The Inertia - Janice Greenwood
Opinion: Women May Be Actually Out-Competing Men at Jaws
NOVEMBER 23, 2016
NPR Morning Edition - Staff
Women Take On Big-Wave Surfing, Once The Domain Of Men, At Mavericks
NOVEMBER 19, 2016
Santa Cruz Sentinel - Haven Livingston, Just Add Water
Work has just begun for female big wave surfers
The Pe’ahi event made women’s history, as recognized by media outlets across the globe, and female athletes got a taste of what big wave contests could be in the future.
“The Jaws event was a good example to see how well it went,” said Moller, a professional waterwoman.
Moller didn’t qualify past the semifinal at Pe’ahi, but appreciated the chance to move on. She said a single-heat contest like Titans isn’t really a contest.
“It’s more exciting and makes an emotional connection for the viewers if they get to see someone carry on to the finals,” she said. “The Mavericks contest may want to think about creating that emotion too.”
NOVEMBER 13, 2016
ESPN W - Alyssa Roenigk
What's it like to surf Maui's big-wave break Jaws in an all-women contest?
Keala Kennelly: Paige did such an amazing job and sent it. She went out there and earned her victory and carried it for the women. But Paige is a true sportswoman and she was bummed I wasn't in the final. We love and respect each other, and Paige definitely wants me out there. But she is so deserving. Paige let people know that we deserve to be there.
NOVEMBER 11, 2016
Surfer - Justin Housman
On Tuesday Cori Schumacher, three-time women’s longboard world champ and vocal surf community gadfly/activist, won a seat on the Carlsbad City Council, a coastal town in North San Diego County. Carlsbad is a politically conservative ‘burb, and Schumacher, an outspoken LBGT activist, was a surprise victor, buoyed in part by her prominent role in opposing Measure A, a plan to develop a chunk of Carlsbad’s coastal zone. I called her after election day to find out why she’d run, what she hoped to accomplish, and to ask what surfers can do when confronted with uncomfortable political realities.
NOVEMBER 11, 2016
The Associated Press
Women break glass ceiling in surf competition
“It’s the least we can do to speak to the election the other day,” Valenti told The Associated Press in a phone interview before the competition, referring to Hillary Clinton’s defeat by President-elect Donald Trump.
“I watched Hillary’s concession speech and what she was saying - how important it was for women to really stand up now more than ever to break the glass ceiling - and that really resonated a lot,” Valenti added.
“This is really about paving the way for the future generations and creating opportunities for them,” Valenti said. “Just the importance of using our voice all the time and speaking up for what we want.”
NOVEMBER 11, 2016
The Inertia - Jennifer Savage, California Policy Manager, Surfrider Foundation
Heal Your Election Woes By Embracing Women, Diversity, and the Environment
The thing about being an activist, is the “active” part – sooner or later despair propels you to action.
NOVEMBER 6, 2016
NPR Weekend Edition Sunday - Lauren Frayer
Gaza's Surfer Girl Hangs Up Her Board — And Not By Choice
"Once I paddle out past the breakers — I forget my troubles," says Ali Erheem, 25, a member of an informal group that calls themselves the Gaza Surf Club. "It's pure happiness."
"I wish I could go back to being a child," she says. "That's when I felt most free — surfing."
She says doesn't want to grow up. She dreams of teaching other girls to surf. But she acknowledges that's probably impossible, since she'll soon be a wife, moving into her mother-in-law's house — still in Gaza, but inland.
NOVEMBER 5, 2016
Los Angeles Times - Dan Weikel
Let women compete, Coastal Commission orders famous surf contest at Mavericks
“This is a great step forward for our sport, women’s athletics and women. You know, it’s about human rights,” said Bianca Valenti, a top female big-wave rider and co-founder of the Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing.
Supporters who lobbied the commission to add women included representatives from the Surfrider Foundation, the Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing, the Coastal Protection Network, the Brown Girl Surf organization and San Mateo County Harbor Commissioner Sabrina Brennan.
NOVEMBER 3, 2016
Beach Grit - Rory Parker
Titans of Mavericks Female Blunder—Cartel drags feet, pays price...
‘Well, you know, they need to pump more iron.’ That’s from Jeff Clark. ‘The girls aren’t good enough yet.’
NOVEMBER 2, 2016
San Francisco Chronicle - Bruce Jenkins
Mavericks permit extended 1 year, women added to contest
Bianca Valenti had no issue with the six women selected; they are all friends. But she suspected that as the organizer of the Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing, a women’s group that often has clashed with Cartel personnel, politics may have been involved.
“Someone had to take one for the team,” said Valenti, managing a smile, as the hearing concluded. “It’s a blatant diss. It’s Cartel; I think they’re intimidated by a group that looks out for women athletes.
NOVEMBER 2, 2016
Half Moon Bay Review - Clay Lambert
Does public benefit from longer Mavericks contract?
Ask yourselves: How does the public benefit from granting one organization four more years of exclusive rights to make money off of a California jewel?
NOVEMBER 1, 2016
The Inertia - Jennifer Savage, California Policy Manager, Surfrider Foundation
CA Coastal Commission Wed. Meeting Could Shape Future of Titans of Mavs
The move toward more inclusivity heartens us, but one heat, begrudgingly given, does not a gender gap close. The Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing calls for more, now. And in line with our dedication to access for all, Surfrider Foundation supports this proposal.
OCTOBER 30, 2016
San Francisco Examiner - Brendan Bartholomew
Mavericks surf contest adds women’s division
While the Coastal Commission generally addresses land use and environmental issues, spokesperson Noaki Schwartz said it is not unprecedented for her agency to require equal access to facilities and events.
“The [California] Coastal Act mandates that the commission maximize public access,” Schwartz said. “So the inclusion of women at an invitation-only surf competition on public land certainly helps fulfill that mandate.”
Brennan has criticized Cartel for not moving more quickly, and believes the event should include multiple women’s heats. A woman should also join the five-person selection committee that decides which athletes are invited to the prestigious competition, she said.
But Cartel spokesperson Brian Waters said award-winning surfer Sarah Gerhardt had previously been offered a spot on the Titans of Mavericks selection committee, but had declined due to other obligations.
“We’re not fighting here; there’s no pushing back,” Waters said, though he added that adding multiple women’s heats might not be feasible.
Each Titans of Mavericks competition depends on the presence of big, challenging waves. Organizers have a window from Nov. 1 through the end of March to look at wave and weather conditions and select a date for the event, Waters explained.
On that chosen day, there are only so many hours and waves available, Waters said.
“It is impossible to put three more heats in a day,” Waters said. “Within an hour, you might get eight to 10 contestable waves.”
The lack of equal representation in events like Titans of Mavericks has taken an economic toll, Brennan said, because being deprived of the spotlight means even the best female surfers struggle to obtain prize money and endorsement deals.
OCTOBER 28, 2016
New York Times - John Clarke
For First Time in 17 Years, Women Will Compete in Top Big-Wave Surfing Contest
Sabrina Brennan, who heads the San Mateo County Harbor Commission, which manages the Mavericks surf area, helped in the fight to include women — which at times grew tense.
“Organizers would show up at meetings with their attorneys and just stare at you with a menacing look,” said Brennan, who is also a member of the Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing. “It was intimidating.”
She also said some event organizers had told several female surfers to get their own Mavericks event.
Still, Brennan said she was pleased with the outcome.
“It’s about time,” she said. “It feels like it shouldn’t have taken this long. And I wonder why it’s taken so long. It’s exciting and thrilling. But we’re not there yet. Women athletes have to keep asking for what they want.”
OCTOBER 28, 2016
New York Times - Mike McPhate
Female Surfers Tear Down a Big Wave Barrier
Ultimately, it took the state to force the change at Titans of Mavericks, which was known in its early years as the “Men Who Ride Mountains” contest.
The decision by Cartel Management, the company that owns the tournament, followed a campaign over the last year by a small group of female surfers along with Sabrina Brennan, a San Mateo County harbor commissioner.
Organized under the banner “Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing,” the surfers pressured California’s Coastal Commission into demanding that Mavericks add a women’s heat or risk losing its permit to hold the event.
The campaign worked.
OCTOBER 28, 2016
Huffington Post - Carla Herreria
Female Surfers Tear Down a Big Wave Barrier
Ultimately, it took the state to force the change at Titans of Mavericks, which was known in its early years as the “Men Who Ride Mountains” contest.
The decision by Cartel Management, the company that owns the tournament, followed a campaign over the last year by a small group of female surfers along with Sabrina Brennan, a San Mateo County harbor commissioner.
Organized under the banner “Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing,” the surfers pressured California’s Coastal Commission into demanding that Mavericks add a women’s heat or risk losing its permit to hold the event.
The campaign worked.
OCTOBER 23, 2016
Deadspin - Lindsey Adler
Mavericks Surf Contest Begrudgingly Allows Women To Compete
For the first time in its history, one of the most prestigious surf contests in the country will include a women’s heat in its 2016-17 competition. But the addition to the Titans of Mavericks competition wasn’t done solely because Mavericks organizers felt like it. It was required by the California Coastal Commission as a condition of the competition receiving a renewed permit—and that happened because of lobbying to the commission by female surfers.
OCTOBER 22, 2016
Santa Cruz Sentinel - Julie Jag
Titans of Mavericks had to add women’s heat to clear barrier to permit
A California Coastal Commission report released Friday afternoon said its staff recommendation would have been to deny contest organizer Cartel Management its permit if Cartel did not include a women’s heat in its plans for the 2016-17 contest.
Within its request to the CCC, Cartel laid out its plans for the contest, which included no women’s heat until the 2017-18 season.
On Wednesday, Cartel announced it would hold a one-hour, six-woman contest with a $30,000 prize purse within the main event this season.
“It’s quite simply the right time,” Cartel CEO Brian Waters said Wednesday. “There was no compelling driver other than it was the time to do it.”
OCTOBER 21, 2016
KQED - Kelly O'Mara
Mavericks Surfing Contest Will Include Women for First Time
“There was no hint that anything like this was brewing,” said Sabrina Brennan, who serves on the San Mateo Harbor Commission and who first brought the issue to the attention of the Coastal Commission.
“I wasn’t expecting this,” Valenti told Surfer Mag. “But I think it’s awesome. I’m just excited to see the women’s side of the sport strengthen. It felt weird always asking for them to let us women in. So it feels great knowing they know want us to be apart of this rad big-wave community.”
Sabrina Brennan said some of the event’s organizers would like to hold a roundtable discussion with the women and are considering the possibility of a two-day format, weather permitting.
She also said there are still some issues to be worked out.
“I’d like to see something in writing,” she said. So far the news has only been mentioned on social media.
The female surfers have also requested a woman sit on the selection committee.
OCTOBER 21, 2016
NBC Bay Area - Rebecca Greenway & Christie Smith
Mavericks Will Include Women Surfers for First Time in History
Harbor Commissioner Sabrina Brennan has made the issue of women's inclusion in the sporting competition one of the major issues in her reelection and says she has been an advocate for change throughout her term.
OCTOBER 21, 2016
SFGate - Kristin Hanes
Women to ride big waves in 'Titans of Mavericks' competition for the first time
Big wave surfer Bianca Valentino, who helped found a group called, "Committee for Equity in Woman's Surfing" said she's thrilled.
"I was really pleasantly surprised. I wasn't expecting it, so I'm really happy to see progress," she said. "We're celebrating that things are starting to happen, with this, with the election. It's bringing attention to important issues like opportunity and equity for women in America and in the world."
Sabrina Brennan, a San Mateo County Harbor District Commissioner, has been fighting for female inclusion in the competition. She's cautiously optimistic.
"It's great they want to include women, but the women asked for a multi-heat event, which is what the men have. They should have a multi-heat event, and the same amount of prize money. Those issues haven't been addressed in this one-hour heat, but maybe it's a good starting point."
OCTOBER 21, 2016
Santa Cruz Sentinel - Brooke Wright
Titans of Mavericks looking forward to big waves, women’s heat
“I’m excited to see the community grow,” said Bianca Valenti, a big wave surfer from San Francisco who showed up for the paddle out. “The guys have always been supportive in the water, so it’s nice to see them supporting us on the competitive side, too.”
“It’s incredible that there’s a women’s heat, but it’s a little bittersweet because my sister [Savannah] is my surfing partner and she got a big injury last year,” Pat Shaughnessy said. “I’m really excited for the girls, I just wish my sister was in it.”
OCTOBER 20, 2016
Stab Mag - Jake Howard
For the Titans Of Mavericks to Run the Women Have to be Included
“I’d like to see if I can make an amending motion to add a specific condition that we ask the applicant to provide a plan for encouraging equal opportunity for women surfers in future events,” continued Mark Vargas.
His motion, inspired largely by the diligent work of San Mateo County Harbor Commissioner Sabrina Brennan, passed with a 7-4 vote. Now it’s time to turn the vote into action.
OCTOBER 20, 2016
San Mateo Daily Journal - Samantha Weigel
Coastside resident and activist Sabrina Brennan, a local harbor commissioner who’s advocated for women’s inclusion and is working with the Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing, said she’s thrilled to see this first step.
“This is just really fantastic news and nice that it’s happening the same year that we are hopefully going to be electing our first woman president. I think it’s a really important year for women and I’m glad to see their recognition and they’re making a significant step forward toward the inclusion of women and I hope that grows,” Brennan said.
Brennan noted many of the group’s requests — such as having women involved in the selection process, providing more than just a one-heat women’s division and an equal purse prize — still stand.
“My hope is that the event evolves,” Brennan said. “There needs to be real equity.”
OCTOBER 20, 2016
The Mercury News - Julie Jag
Women to surf at Titans of Mavericks
“I’m pretty excited about what’s going on, especially since Friday I was pretty pissed off,” said Sabrina Brennan, who has been a driving force for the inclusion of women in the competition.
Brennan, a San Mateo County Harbor District Commissioner, made her initial push for inclusion when she appeared before the California Coastal Commission during its local meeting in 2015. She asked the CCC to make including women in the contest a requirement for obtaining the commission’s permit. The commission voted to adopt the requirement for future permits.
Brennan said Wednesday’s announcement is good news. Still, she noted that the Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing — the group founded by pro surfers Bianca Valenti, Keala Kennelly, Paige Alms and Andrea Moller — will continue to push for equal treatment.
“It is great news. I’m very excited about it,” Brennan said. “I think having the dialogue is very important.”
“Whoever holds the permit needs to run a professional event,” she added, “and that means including equity for women.”
OCTOBER 19, 2016
Surfer - Ashtyn Douglas
Women's Heat to be Held at Titans of Mavericks
“To me, this is a lesson showing that if you want something, you’ve got to speak up,” says Bianca Valenti.
Keala Kennelly, who’s been on the big-wave scene for over about a decade, is equally excited about the new inclusion. “I’m stoked,” says Kennelly. “I think this is a big win for women’s surfing, women’s sports, and women in general. WSL came to the party last year when they announced a Women’s Big Wave World Tour Championships for 2017 at Jaws or Todos. La Vaca Gigante by Oakley [a big-wave event in Spain] announced they will have a women’s heat with equal prize money to the men. The Titans are a little late to the party, but I say better late than never!”
OCTOBER 19, 2016
Half Moon Bay Review - Staff
Details of the decision are sketchy. As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, the only written notice that there would be women in the 2016-17 event came in the way of social media postings that read, “Six women. One hour. $30,000 on the line. 2016-2017 women’s heat.” Cartel Chief Operating Officer Brian Waters confirmed that women would participate in this season’s contest but declined to provide any details.
OCTOBER 19, 2016
Half Moon Bay Review - Carina Woudenberg
Half Moon Bay resident files lawsuit against Cartel
OCTOBER 19, 2016
Half Moon Bay Review - Carina Woudenberg
Mavericks plans women’s heat in 2017-18
Bianca Valenti said she saw the move to add a women's heat as a step in the right direction.
“I think that it's positive, obviously. I don't see any reson why they shouldn't do it this year, ” said Valenti.
Sabrina Brennan described the proposal as “half-baked” and expressed concern that if not enough women met the criteria, there wouldn’t be a women’s heat.
OCTOBER 17, 2016
Stab Mag - Jake Howard
The Operators Of The Titans Of Mavericks Are Being Sued For Cyber Bullying
OCTOBER 17, 2016
The Inertia - Chase Scheinbaum
Scandal-Plagued Organizers of Titans of Mavericks Sued for Defamation by Community Activist
OCTOBER 16, 2016
The Inertia - Alexander Haro
Titans of Mavericks Event Submits Plans to Hold Women’s Heats
OCTOBER 15, 2016
Santa Cruz Sentinel - Staff Writer
Big Wave Surfing: Cartel submits plans for women’s heat in 2017-18
October 11, 2016
Santa Cruz Sentinel - Julie Jag
Big wave surfing: Titans of Mavericks may be required to hold women’s heats
October 4, 2016
The Inertia - Chase Scheinbaum
World’s Top Female Surfers Infuriated by Titans of Mavericks Invite List
SEPTEMBER 29, 2016
The Inertia - Chase Scheinbaum
Female Big Wave Surfers Fight for their Own Division in Titans of Mavericks
SEPTEMBER 28, 2016
Half Moon Bay Review - Carina Woudenberg
Women surfers submit request to ride Mavericks
September 21, 2016
Surfer Magazine - Ashtyn Douglas
On land, Paige Alms may seem like an average 28-year-old, juggling jobs to make ends meet. But in the water, she’s anything but ordinary.
AUGUST 4, 2016
Surfline - photos: Sachi Cunningham & words: Justin Housman
Through grit, determination, and smiles, these women have carved out a respected place in the city’s surf hierarchy, surely one of the country’s most demanding.
August 3, 2016
Surfline - Pablo Zanocchi
It's Official: Surfing Will Be in the Olympics
Wednesday, August 3rd, the International Olympic Committee voted in favor of including surfing in the Tokyo Games. So in 2020, 20 men and 20 women surfers will compete for an Olympic gold medal.
JULY 25, 2016
Surfline - Kurt Steinmetz
Coco Ho Wins Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro
My wife Aimee Luthringer says that this article is the first of its kind on Surfline. It features women, not just one woman, which they have done, but this article covers a whole women's league. The guys get this kind of coverage often. An overview of the women's league is not normally presented on Surfline.
Aimee spends a significant amount of time on the Surfline website when she's not in the water...
JUNE 14, 2016
KQED Arts - Rachael Myrow
‘The Wave I Ride’ Seeks Gender Equality for Women Big Wave Riders
June 2, 2016
It Ain't Pretty - Documentary Film, Directed by Dayla Soul
“Why is the media still so fixated on sexualization of female surfers? It Ain't Pretty attempts to shatter stereotypes by painting a new athletic portrait for the generations of surfer girls to come.” —Shannon Reporting
“My wife Aimee Luthringer and my mom Lee Fernandez are very excited that my advocacy work to include women athletes in the Mavericks Surf Contest is included in Dayla Soul's documentary. The film is about the bravery and athleticism of women surfers. Can't wait to see the premier of It Ain't Pretty on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at DocFest.” —Sabrina Brennan
MAY 11, 2016
Premier of IT AIN’T PRETTY—screening at the Historic Great Star Theater
MAY 11, 2016
HuffPost - Carla Herreria
These Women Want To Be Known As Surfers, Not Sex Symbols
May 6, 2016
Magic Seaweed - Jason Lock
Women's Big Wave Event Could Benefit Entire Surf Industry
April 28, 2016
The Inertia - Beth O'Rourke
Women’s Big Wave Surfing and the 2016 XXL Awards: Exploring How Far We’ve Come?
April 15, 2016
Surfer - Ashtyn Douglas
WSL Adds Women's Event to Big Wave Tour
APRIL 15, 2016
Big Wave Tour Adds Women's and Qualifying Events
WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP—$30,000 prize purse; Contested by athletes picked by the commissioner's office
Window: October 15, 2016 - February 28, 2017
Events: Pe'ahi, Todos Santos
APRIL 15, 2016
ABC - Michael Atkin and Andy Burns
Female pro surfers want industry to get on board regarding sexism concerns
March 28, 2016
The Inertia - Paige Alms
Paige Alms Believes Female Big Wave Surfers Deserve Their Own Venues
“The whole drama over the Titans of Mavericks contest is just outrageous. They (the organizers) are still trying to say women are not as good as the men, trying to fight the issue rather than help make a solution…when in fact they are missing the whole point.”
“We are not asking to be included with the men; We want to have our own heat!”
—Paige Alms
March 23, 2016
The Inertia - Juan Hernandez
2016 XXL Awards Nominees Announced: Keala Kennelly Makes Surfing History
March 14, 2016
LA Times - Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil
Female surfers make waves despite barriers
MARCH 10, 2016
The Inertia - Alexandria Bordas
Big-Wave Surfing Is Bigger Than Ever; Where Are the Women?
Feb 28, 2016
The surfer not considered hot enough for sponsorship - BBC News, Editor & Director: Owain Rich, Camera: Chris West
FEB 19, 2016
WSL News - Anna Dimond
Andrea Moller: Let's Join the Big-Wave Party
FEB 16, 2016
Huffington Post - J.D. Kleinke
Not Yet, Surfragette: Women Athletes Still Sidelined At Big-Wave Competition
Feb 12, 2016
Outside Magazine - Op-Ed: Sachi Cunningham
Let Women Compete in Big-Wave Surf Competitions
Feb 12, 2016
CBS This Morning - Hosts: Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Norah O'Donnell
Wave of sexisim hit Titians of Mavericks surfing competition
Feb 10, 2016
KQED News - Kelly O’Mara (also published in the San Francisco Chronicle)
Mavericks Could Be Required to Include Women Surfers Next Year
Feb 10, 2016
ABC 7 News - Cornell Barnard
Women hope to be invited to Mavericks Surf competition
Feb 8, 2016
Adventure Sports Journal - Haven Livingston
Athlete Profile: Big Wave Bianca
Feb 3, 2016
My Journal - Sabrina Brennan
Hey guys, Mavericks needs women
JAN 27, 2016
Half Moon Bay Review — Op-Ed by Sabrina Brennan
Dec 22, 2015
Surfer - Justin Housman
Mavericks Contest Could Require Women Surfers
Dec 19, 2015
Santa Cruz Sentinel - Haven Livingston
Just Add Water: Women seek equal footing at Mavericks
Dec 11, 2015
Forum KQED radio - host Mina Kim
Mavericks Faces Pressure for Women to Surf Big-Wave Contest
Dec 5, 2015
Associated Press - Kristin J. Bender - (Washington Post & numerous other newspapers)
Women want spot in big wave surf competition in California
Nov 16, 2015
Inertia - Beth O'Rourke
How Women Will Evolve Big Wave Surfing
Nov 11, 2015
Half Moon Bay Review - Clay Lambert
Add women to Mavericks lineup and be on right side of history
Nov 8, 2015
My Journal: notes from the Nov 2015 Coastal Commission hearing - Sabrina Brennan
Women to compete at Mavericks!
Nov 6, 2015
Santa Cruz Sentinel - Haven Livingston
Women to get fair shake at Mavericks
Nov 5, 2015
Half Moon Bay Review - Carina Woudenberg
Mavericks organizers get crucial last permit
Oct 14, 2015
The Guardian - Will Coldwell
Ripple effect: How Paige Alms is taking female big-wave surfing to new heights
Oct 29, 2015
Huck - Alexia Stamatelatou
Big wave icon Paige Alms is pushing for surfing to take women seriously
January 28, 2015
The Wave I Ride - Documentary Film, Directed by Devyn Bisson
“As the director of The Wave I Ride, I wish nothing more than for this film to inspire you to vigorously chase the wave your heart needs to ride. The world needs your voice, the world needs your story, and the world needs you to go after it! It’s going to be a bloody mess with no guarantee of protection, but I promise this mess is ours to own as beautiful, vulnerable, and courageous.”
—Devyn Bisson, Director