Some surfers hit waves despite high surf advisory

Ocean rescuers are on high alert this week as big waves continue to pound the Central Coast. Rescuers are not just worried about surfers, but spectators too.

“We are worried about people just going to check out the surf,” Fire Captain Derek Staley said. “We want people to stay a safe distance away from the beach and from the cliff so they don’t get knocked into the water by a large wave.”

On Thursday, the Central Coast saw waves as high as 15 feet, prompting a high surf advisory. It isn’t just the size that makes these conditions dangerous, but the power of the waves and the fast moving current that follows rainstorms.

Only a few brave surfers decided to jump in at Pleasure Point Thursday. Josh Hesson was one of them.

“It is a little bit big and bumpy, but I am going to give it a shot.”

Hesson said he’s prepared, but is warning beginners to stay out of the water.

“Lots of current,” Hesson said. “If you don’t know what you are doing, please be safe and maybe stay home today or just watch.”

Another veteran surfer stayed out saying the conditions just weren’t right.

“Over all, pretty miserable stormy conditions,” Jason Hillenbrand said. “A ton of water moving around. It is pretty bad right now.”

Many surf shops in town said the conditions aren’t right for newbies.

“People below the expert level are being advised to stay out the water for today, maybe the next couple days,” John Moore said. “And most people who are experts are also staying out the water. There is a very small window of available surf in the next day or so.”

And along with poor surf conditions, rescuers says surfing after a storm may not be safe.

“Added dangers are debris in the water being flushed out by the local rivers,” Staley said. “We have had the heavy rains the last couple of days, so the water levels of the rivers are higher, which will flush out larger pieces of debris. Especially big logs and limbs.”