Redwood City Surfing Accident

Redwood City is home to one of the freakiest surf accidents in US history. In 2009 the Maverick Surf Contest (Maverick Surf Contest is an annual contest that is held with 48 hour notice at a site announced at the beginning of the 48 hours based on the waves that develop) was held in Redwood City California. The event is always marked by huge waves that are extremely risky but have great reward for the surfers because they often catch the ride of their life. The year it was held at Redwood City they were experiencing gigantic waves and putting on a tremendous show for the spectators. The surfers all know that they are taking on a very hazardous and life threatening phenomenom, however the observers and residents of Redwood City had no idea of the possible danger that they were about to experience.
Fortunately the emergency services which included EMT from Redwood City, as well as medical team associated with the surfing contest and the Redwood City Police were on hand to help handle the crisis. A large rogue wave swept on to the beach and well past the onlookers and right over many of them sweeping some of them off their feet and causing injuries to family members of the surfers, surfing fans, and some of the townspeople from Redwood City. Even with all of the emergency personnel on scene the shock of the event caused a short delay in response from the EMTs and the Redwood City Fire Department (RCFD). Although this may not be the worst surfing accident, it still was incredible to watch the scene even on video. I am sure watching it live and in person would have been completely overwhelming, perhaps even feeling the threat of death in the split second that one became aware of the impending collision with the rogue wave. There is no doubt that the citizens of Redwood City CA will never forget that week, the honor of being picked to host the Maverick Surf Contest as well as the terror of one of the worst surfing accidents on record.
If you are ever in the area and want to see the scene of the big event, I am sure that someone in Redwood City will be glad to show the beach where it all took place. Just rest assured that in someways it was the "perfect storm" that culminated in the waves being just right to be picked for the contest hosted by maverick and that was all topped off by having the perfect wind and the tide being just right to have a rogue wave that pushed past the beach limits and seemed like it was going to sweep right into Red Wood City. This may never happen again and it is unlikely that you will be able to even recreate the scene in your mind as you stand there looking at the beautiful serene beaches offered in the Redwood City area.