Update: At the last minute, Jeff Clark decided not to call the contest, siting a swell that isn't on par with the size needed to hold the contest.  Expect great waves reaching the California Coast this weekend though.

Just got off the phone with the Godfather of Mavericks himself, Jeff Clark. Barring a last-minute change in conditions, the Mavericks Surf Contest, considered to be the top dog of big wave contests on the U.S. mainland, will be green lit for Saturday.

I am sad to say though that they decided to make a change to their webcast this year, and I will not be returning as a webcast commentator. The webcast, run by buffoons who only have previous experience running ski contests (funny, thought this was a surf contest), decided to let a ski commentator (funny, thought this was a surf contest) handle the commentating duties solo, with various surfers coming to the booth later in the day as the contest reduces its number of competitors from 24 to a final heat of six.

All bitterness aside, the contest is majestic, and it should be quite the scene. And I have nothing but love and respect for the Godfather of Mavericks himself Jeff Clark and the competitors of the contest, who all show class and respect every time I’ve interviewed them throughout the years.

The contest will be webcasted all day Saturday. Good luck finding the websites.