By Gabrielle Harradine
Special to the Daily Press

SM BEACHES The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a high surf advisory for Tuesday, prompting the typical cause-and-effect — surfers came out in droves in hopes of catching an epic wave.

Unfortunately, a funny thing happened on the way to nirvana.

“Today’s kind of a flub,” said Jim Makuta, captain at the L.A. County Lifeguard headquarters just south of the Santa Monica Pier, as he scanned the coastline from his second-story vantage point. The Santa Anas, which are back in the area again, may have worked to knock down the expected swell, he surmised.

Although the surf was modest during daylight hours on Tuesday, it was noticeably more turbulent after sunset. At high tide, the waves were nearly reaching the floor planks of the Santa Monica Pier.

Good news for those late to the “sesh” — the high surf is now expected to peak this morning!

A powerful storm off the Pacific northwest coast earlier this week should produce a memorable day for surfers and sea watchers alike, according to the NWS. The storm will be generating a very large westerly swell, producing dangerous high surf and possible local coastal flooding. The swell is expected to subside Wednesday afternoon into Thursday.

One of the most surfed beaches in Santa Monica — Santa Monica South — will be good as long as the waves stick between 6 and 10 feet, according to Makuta. Anything bigger than that and it blows out.

The high surf should also produce strong rip current and local beach erosion. Because of the dangerous conditions, local lifeguards will be making sure they get the word out to all hopeful water-goers. The current water temperature, which is around 59 degrees, could also act as a deterrent to those who are not used to it.

“We can’t force people not to go in,” said Makuta, adding that lifeguards might try to discourage people from heading into the ocean, especially those who look like they don’t have much experience.

For those who gravitate more to boats then surfboards, the NWS also has a small craft advisory in effect through late Wednesday night. The storm’s gusty northwest winds will affect much of the coastal waters, according to the NWS. In addition, portions of the outer waters will experience gale force winds.

“It should be a big Wednesday for real,” said Rich Rubincam, general manager of ZJ Boarding House on Main Street.

The high surf will shut a few places down, but the point breaks, like at Topanga and Palos Verdes, should get some nice sizable waves, according to Rubincam.

In preparation for coastal flooding, which could occur in low lying areas, sand bags will be made available for beach residents needing assistance in protecting their properties. Up to 10 sand bags can be taken at once, but persons can return for more bags if needed. Nearby locations to pick up the sandbags include Will Rogers State Beach, at 16300 Pacific Coast Highway, and the Venice Beach Maintenance Yard and Washington Parking Lot, located at 2300 Ocean Front Walk.

Oddly, the storm may also bring some unexpected guests to the beach areas — rattlesnakes, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors. Run-off water from storm drains and creeks carry the snakes from rural areas into the oceans, and then wash them up onto the beaches. On the sand, the rattle snakes might resemble sticks or be hidden in beach debris.

As if the surfers didn’t have enough to worry about.

news@smdp.com