On Friday, the world’s top surfers descend on Half Moon Bay, California, to compete in the Mavericks Invitational big-wave surf contest. Wave faces promise to be up to 12 meters (40 feet) tall and exceptionally powerful. "You can immediately feel the raw power of Mother Nature leaving the harbor and entering the open ocean," says Instagrammer Matt Bauer (@mattcbauer), who's sharing photos and videos from the competition. "This legendary wave requires the right elements to align to show its fierce face. Luckily today is one of those days!" For more photos and videos from Mavericks, tap the blue location text above and follow @mattcbauer, @benrwilliams and @bobridges for updates from the competition. For the athletes' perspective, follow Mavericks competitors @carlosburle, @jamie_sterls, @donkeyshow and @peter_mel.
Photo by @mattcbauer