Surf's Up! Storm Brings Large Waves and Fearless Surfers

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a High Surf Warning for all west-facing beaches through Saturday night.

Waves of 15-20 feet have reached local shores, some local sets have gone up to 25 feet.

While the NWS also issued alerts for dangerous rip currents and coastal flooding due to the high tides and strong waves, it hasn’t stopped some fearless surfers in our community.

Edhat readers have captured a series of photos of local surfers this week taking the rare opportunity to hang ten on some massive waves.

But, the NWS still recommends staying out of the water due to dangerous conditions. Edhat has previously reported four surfers from Isla Vista being rescued, one surfer found dead off Mesa Lane, vehicle and RV rescues off Oceano Dunes, and a capsized boat and jet ski riders rescued off Hollister Ranch.

Below are photos by edhat readers of local surfers:

A note by edhat reader Stargazer Ron:

Surfers and spectators alike enjoyed the big breakers along the Santa Barbara/Goleta beaches. As far as I can tell, there was no major damage except for a lot of sand and debris, but just a lot of drama and fun during the holiday season. Here are some surfer photos I made at Campus Point and Sandspit on Thursday, December 28. It was a fine day to be out observing all the brave and talented surfers. Another big swell is expected on Saturday. By comparing the height of the waves to the surfers, it appears that the breakers were at least 12-15 feet high.