Time is running out on this year’s Maverick’s surf contest.

More properly known as the Jay at Maverick’s Big Wave Surf Invitational, the contest typically attracts some two dozen of the world’s best surfers to the waves off Northern California’s Maverick’s break, near picturesque Half Moon Bay. This year, there was some added excitement with the inclusion of 10-time world champion Kelly Slater, often regarded as the greatest surfer of all-time.

However, the “window” for which the contest might be held is rapidly closing. It officially opened on Dec. 1 and was designated to run until Feb. 28,...