Big Swell

Going right on a shoulder

Winter time means big Pacific storms and that also means big ocean swells. This week a huge set of storms are moving past the Pacific coast and bring big surf up and down the entire coast. Up north the waves are up to 20 feet, down south the waves are in the 10 to 15 foot range.

In San Diego on surf spot that always attracts surfers is Ocean Beach. This hold over from the '70 has a long pier were on an average day you will find people fishing and walking or hanging out. When the surf get big the city will close the pier. The waves can crash over the top and it can be dangerous to be on it.

Surfers will sometimes jump off the pier, makes getting past the breakers easier. But the city doesn't like it when people do that. Another thing is surfers will do what is called 'shooting the pier', they surf under the pier through the pilings. It can be dangerous to do that but it is exciting.

Looking north from the pier

dropping in

shooting the pier