Big surf roared into Southern California as a winter swell built up through the day; it’s expected to stick around through Friday.
Another new swell is expected to arrive right behind it on Saturday with even bigger waves anticipated, creating hazardous conditions throughout the weekend but a thrilling end for expert surfers enjoying the last waves of 2023.
Pierpont neighbors shovel sand on Bath Lane to help water drain after a seawall and sand berm were breached by high surf on Dec. 28 in Ventura.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Men watch from a balcony in Faria Beach as huge waves crash on the shore in Ventura.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Photographers turn lenses to the action at Surfer’s Point as huge waves pound the coastline in Ventura.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
A surfer documents his ride with a GoPro camera mount in his mouth as he pulls into a tube ride on big waves at sunset in Newport Beach.
(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
High surf reaches the bottom of the Huntington Beach Pier as spectators get a close-up look at the powerful swell on Dec. 28.
(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
A man captures the large surf on his phone from the Huntington Beach Pier as a powerful swell reaches Southern California.
(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
A Ventura County fire helicopter patrols the coastline over heavy surf south of Ventura Pier. Most of the pier was closed due to the surf.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Lifeguard towers at San Buenaventura State Beach are reflected in floodwaters during heavy surf at high tide.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
