STAFF REPORTS
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A surfer at the popular Wedge in Newport Beach experiences the power of the waves on Aug. 27 (Photo Courtesy: Weather.com)
Orange County – Although Hurricane Marie, centered about 800 miles off the Baja coast, has diminished into a tropical storm, our local beaches are still experiencing quite a ride.
The surf peaked on Wed., Aug. 27, with 25-foot waves pummeling the shores. For experienced surfers, this was a dream come true. Some of the world’s best surfers – Peter Mel, Laird Hamilton and Kelly Slater – were reportedly seen enjoying the monster waves on local beaches.
Said one surfer, “This is the type of wave you can get in Hawaii.”
While the recent surfing may be awe-inspiring and the stuff dreams are made of for those that can handle it, the rising swells and tides put a whole different spin on things for local authorities. Hundreds of people had to be rescued from the water, which kept lifeguards busy. Along with swells of this nature come rip tides and currents that are often not apparent until you’re in the midst of them. Even strong swimmers can find themselves in trouble.
Along with the rescues, some homes were in trouble as well as O.C. Fire Authority personnel worked to keep the flooding at bay. And police had their hands full this past week as traffic around the local beaches came to a standstill with everyone wanting to line the piers and view the spectacle.
There is a fine line between the excitement and the damage that storms can cause. While enticing and beautiful to behold, sometimes just watching the surf from solid shore is the best way to experience a phenomenon like this.
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