California Coastal Commission
In the wake of 2015 concerns, about impacts to beach access and the environment, the California Coastal Commission exercised its authority to require the organizers of the “Titans of Mavericks” surf competition to apply for a Coastal Development Permit. During the permit hearing, Surf Equity raised the issue that the event, occurring on public trust resources of the Coastal Zone, had excluded women since its inception in 1999, despite numerous women athletes who were well-qualified and eager to compete. Following a 7-4 vote, the Commission granted a one-year permit for the event, under the condition that women participants be included going forward. This decision established a precedent for future equity-driven decision-making. Subsequent advocacy by Surf Equity and permit decisions in 2016 and 2018 resulted in requirements for a dedicated women’s division including multiple heats and equal pay. In 2021, inspired by the Tokyo Olympics, 50/50 equity was achieved by requiring an equal number of competitors in each gendered division.
2015 Coastal Commission Hearing
This is a segment from the documentary film “It Ain’t Pretty” by director Dayla Soul
2016 Coastal Commission Hearing
NBC Bay Area with Robert Handa
Nov. 2, 2016—California Coastal Commission hearing
KPIX 5 | CBS News
Nov. 2, 2016—California Coastal Commission hearing
On Thursday, September 22, 2016, Surf Equity submitted a proposal to the California Coastal Commission requesting a women's division in the Mavericks Surf competition.
In competitive surfing as well as other professional sports including the Olympics, men compete against men and women compete against women. This distinctive format is important and appropriate to both men and women athletes because it provides an equitable inclusion and an equal opportunity to earn prize money, media exposure, sponsorships and qualifying points.
The Cartel/Titians of Mavericks 2016-17 Coastal Development Permit application and an amendment application will be considered by the California Coastal Commission at the November hearing. The amendment application submitted on Oct. 14, 2016 requests a multiyear permit and includes Cartel's “plan” for including a women's heat in a 2017-18 event.
The Coastal Commission staff report was released on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. Read Cartels second amendment included in the staff report, read the last page of Exhibit 9.
Surf Equity attended the hearing on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, in Half Moon Bay.
2016 Coastal COmmission Hearing Notice
The Cartel/Titans of Mavericks 2016-2017 application for a Coastal Development Permit will be considered by the Coastal Commission at the November hearing near Half Moon Bay.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Oceano Hotel
280 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
The public is invited to submit letters prior to the hearing date and make 3 minute comments during the hearing.
Please email letters to:
Renee Ananda, Coastal Program Analyst, California Coastal Commission: Renee.Ananda@coastal.ca.gov
Links to the Agenda and Staff Report are posted online.
