High Surf Advisories In Effect As Wicked Waves Pound SoCal Beaches
NEWPORT BEACH (CBS) — The National Weather Service has extended high surf advisories through Sunday as wicked waves continue to pound California's south facing beaches.
The NWS warned that six to eight foot waves were possible with occasional 10 foot sets.
"Usually here at Balboa Pier it's about two feet or so shorebreak, but they're a little bit bigger than normal now," spectator Tim Castro Reale told CBS2.
On Friday, only a few braved getting close to the waters edge. Instead, most watched the surf from Balboa Pier.
"The waves are still coming in… not as high as they were in the last couple of days of course, but it's a beautiful night out here on Balboa Peninsula," said Matt Royster, another spectator.
Earlier in the day, the heavy action was about a mile away at The Wedge. Hundreds lined up to see experienced surfers brave the wild conditions.
"It's like the whole washing machine effect if you've heard that. You know, you get upside down underwater, start to lose your energy but once you hit the beach, it's like 'alright, I'm still alive,'" Pro Surfer Spencer Pirdy said.
Until conditions subside, no boards will be allowed out in the water and only the best of the best will be allowed in by lifeguards.
"Our lifeguards will evaluate everybody that goes in the water to make sure that they've got the skills, ability and right equipment to go in with these conditions," Lifeguard Boyd Mickley said.
These massive swells are all due to a winter storm off the coast of New Zealand.
The show continues Saturday with the next high tide expected between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. in Newport Beach. Spectators are urged to arrive early to grab a parking space and a good seat.
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