We had a big swell here the last several days.
That sounds like a Viagra bonus side effect, but in fact - it's when we get a lot of big waves.
In this case, we were seeing 10 - 15 foot waves in some spots.
It was a wonderful excuse to get out with my camera.
The lifeguards were keeping all but the most experienced surfers out of the water. People lined up to watch the monster waves, particularly at The Wedge in Newport Beach.
The people watching was just as fun as the wave watching.
(Speaking of people watching ... did you see the lifeguard photo I posted over the weekend?)
It was a nice excuse for people to skip work to hang out at the beach.
On Friday, I heard one man say into his cell phone, "Well, I don't have it right in front of me. I stepped away from my desk for a second."
Ha!
Something tells me there were a lot of other people doing the same thing.
Did I mention BIG waves?
The waves at The Wedge are dangerous because the surf goes this way and that way and over in that direction too - all at the same time!
Right as I went to take this next shot, a surfer walked into the frame. It's not an ideal photo, but I decided to share it with you to give you a size perspective on the waves. He was on the sand and the wave in front of him was about 11 feet tall.
When the waves would break, it would send ocean spray flying far into the distance.
CBS spent a good chunk of the day filming, because BIG WAVES are news here.
The man in the above photo was not from CBS. In fact, he asked me to take his photo in front of the CBS van. I'm not sure why. I think he was very impressed by the news van.
(???)
People are funny sometimes ...
Aren't they?
© Twenty Four At Heart
Man, I would not want to be out on the jetty with such big surf! Those are crazy big waves.
Posted by: Deidre | May 23, 2011 at 03:54 AM
People are out there with KIDS - what were they thinking?
Posted by: Jan | May 23, 2011 at 04:03 AM
you know, back east California is kinda known for it's "funny" people!
Posted by: Joanne | May 23, 2011 at 05:03 AM
Wow, those ARE big waves. Great shots, girl! Hope you're doing well.
Kimber
Posted by: Fragrant Liar | May 23, 2011 at 05:17 AM
Great pictures! I love the colors of the water! Yes, people are funny... why in the world would they let their kids go out on the jetty too??
Have a great day!
Pam
Posted by: Pam | May 23, 2011 at 06:41 AM
I remember a couple of years ago a two people were washed away standing on the jetty. Idioits!
Posted by: Missy | May 23, 2011 at 08:40 AM
I meant idiots! Not quite awake today.
Posted by: Missy | May 23, 2011 at 08:40 AM
I love watching people and all the silly things they do, even when they know the whole world is watching them and that they will probably end up on someone's blog!! LOL
Di
Posted by: Di | May 23, 2011 at 09:32 AM
-->We were in the Outer Banks this weekend and all I saw was wild horses walking around and pelicans flying by. ;-)
Posted by: WebSavvyMom | May 23, 2011 at 09:57 AM
I like that people slowed down just enough to enjoy something like this. I'm not sure I would have.
Posted by: Jason | May 23, 2011 at 08:00 PM