“Of Men and Mavericks”
Half Moon Bay is getting a taste of Hollywood with the making of the new film “Of Men and Mavericks.” This new movie is based on the
life of beloved surfing legend Jay Moriarity and his friendship with his mentor and local legend Rick “Frosty” Hesson. “Of Men and
Mavericks” is not only set in Half Moon Bay and the world famous Mavericks surfing spot, but was filmed there as well. The filming
began in October and included over 150 cast and crew roaming the beaches of Half Moon Bay, including stars such as Gerard Butler,
Jonny Weston and Elisabeth Shue. Watch out for this movie, which also features famed Mavericks surfers such as Greg Long, Peter Mel
and Jeff Clark, and is scheduled to be released in October 2012.
Surfing
Half Moon Bay is home to the world-famous surfing spot Mavericks, located one-half mile off the coast by Pillar Point Harbor.
Mavericks is considered to be one of the most challenging surfing areas in the world, attracting the most elite surfers to
brave the waves for the annual contest. Now organized by the Half Moon Bay Surf Group, the contest has been renamed “The
Maverick’s Big Wave Invitational,” with Mavericks pioneer Jeff Clarke returning as contest director this year. The official
contest window is open now through March 31. For more information, visit mavericksinvitational.com,
or call (650) 560-8088.
Whale Watching
The annual migration of the gray whale is currently underway, and Half Moon Bay is the perfect spot for witnessing the journey of these spectacular creatures.
Beginning in early December through the end of March, approximately 15,000 gray whales swim south from the icy waters of the Arctic to mate and nurse their
young in the warm, shallow lagoons along Magdalena Bay in Baja, California. For those who like to plan ahead, March through early April is a great time to spot
humpback whales as they begin moving closer to shore.
Several local companies offer whale watching excursions:
•Huli Cat Sportfishing, (650) 726-2926, www.hulicat.com
•Half Moon Bay Sportfishing & Tackle, (650) 728-3377, www.hmbfishing.com
•Princeton Pantry, (650) 726-7133
•Riptide Sportfishing, (888) 747-8433, www.riptide.net
Seal Adventure Saturday
January 28
Año Nuevo State Park
Each winter from December through March, a large colony of northern elephant seals assembles on the beaches at Año Nuevo State Reserve.
Bull seals engage in battles for breeding access to the females. Pregnant females come ashore to pup from late December to early February,
and mothers nurse their pups for about a month before mating and returning to the sea. By early March, most of the adults have returned to
the sea. Pups remain behind through March basking in the sun and learning to swim. For one day only on January 28, visitors will have
extraordinary access to view hundreds of northern elephant seals at the peak of their mating season at the beaches at Año Nuevo State Park.
Naturalists and state park staff will be available to answer questions about this phenomenal activity. Don’t miss out on this incredibly
rare opportunity for individuals, families and photographers. Seal Adventure Saturday is sponsored by the San Mateo Coast Natural History
Association to raise money to support interpretive and educational programs at Año Nuevo and other state parks on the San Mateo coast. To
purchase tickets for $50, visit www.smcnha.org. Media contact: Joyce Pennell
jpennell@smcnha.org, (650) 345-2001.
Bring a Bike
For those seeking to work off those extra holiday pounds, book a night at Beach House Hotel and take advantage of the seven-mile Coastal Trail,
ideal for walkers, bikers and joggers. Guests who book a Friday night stay will receive a weekday rate, complimentary bike storage, as well as
complimentary Friday Night Wine Hour from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the lobby. Local maps and tips on the trail will also be provided with things to see
and experience along the way. Valid from January 2-April 12, 2012; rates start at $185. All reservations are subject to availability. For reservations,
call (800) 315-9366 or visit www.beach-house.come/half-moon-bay-hotels,
4100 North Cabrillo Hwy. Media Contact: Marje Bennetts, (310) 574-7870, marje@mbennettspr.net.
Over the Moon
Pasta Moon is featuring great dining deals to start off the New Year. From January 15-31, guests are invited to explore the versatility of risotto
with several variations to choose, accompanied by a glass of wine specially selected to complement each dish. Meals will be completed with luscious
housemade gelato prepared by Chef Carmine D’Agostino.
Vegetarians will be over the moon come April, when a special and very affordable three-course vegetarian menu will offer tasty selections such as
housemade gnocchi with roasted red pepper and imported gorgonzola, and tagliatelle with golden cauliflower. Prefix vegetarian menu $25 per person.
315 Main Street, (650) 726-5125, www.pastamoon.com.
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