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Mavericks Big Wave Contest Window Opens; No Free Viewing

HALF MOON BAY (CBS/AP) -- The three-month window for the Mavericks big wave surfing contest is open, and while the beach will be closed during the event, organizers will detail at a public meeting how people can watch.

Officials on Thursday will hold the meeting to discuss parking and public safety.

The beach access ban was caused partly due to injuries at the 2010 event, when large waves surged into the crowd, leaving some spectators with bruises and broken bones.

"There will be no public access out at the beach this year. You can't really see it anyway," said contest director Jeff Clark.

KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:

This year's event will be broadcast for the public on the grounds of the Oceano Hotel & Spa at Pillar Point.

"It will be $25, and that will get you a gift bag, a commemorative poster, coupons for the local businesses and JumboTrons showing the contest," said Clark.

10,000 tickets are going on sale, even though there is still no key sponsor. The opening ceremony is Friday, and then organizers wait and watch for the world's meanest waves.

The contest has a time window that ends March 31.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed)

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