Swell's Bells

Looks like the south swells are really hitting hard at the Santa Cruz harbor mouth. Saw interesting things on the harbor cam so far this morning. The Velocity, a big party boat, took a pause to wait for an opening to get out. Then someone on an AI got close to the mouth, pondered for a bit, and wisely turned around. There was also a small motorboat I saw coming in with some guys on it, and they had an exciting but successful surf back into the harbor.

Don't go out today or tomorrow unless you're bringing a surf board. There are giant breakers in the harbor mouth.

Hopefully there's not problematic shoaling from the big south swells coming in this week and next. Looks OK this weekend, but I'm not expecting them to be biting like crazy after all the churn.

Wonder who tried to get out on their AI today???

I think nowhereman posted he might be hitting SC today

This South swell is no joke. It'll be wrapping into Capitola etc and spots you typically don't see get lit up. 4 ft at TWENTY seconds!  This is North swell size but a South swell. It's long period so will have lots of flat periods and then 8 or 10 wave sets. I've found long period is easier in some ways then short period and all on top of each other but this South direction is going to make many places that are usually protected pretty exposed.
Good news for the surfer side of me...
Stay safe out there!

Big crashing waves

I've had my eye on that south swell and how it will affect Shelter Cove for the salmon opener. 

Thanks for the report.

Unreal

One day back in the '90s my wife and I had to time our exit out of the harbor in our Necky Looksha sports (real sea kayaks with a proper cockpit and spray skirt). Later we almost got caught inside while watching a surf contest when a large set came through.

Yes, I tried to launch today. After bobbing around near the harbor mouth for an hour, I gave up. I certainly could have made it out, but I could not get the thought out of my head that I'd pitchpole coming back in.  I hung out at the harbor doing some work on my laptop, and when I left at 11:15, it was even worse, with at least 10' surf breaking across the harbor mouth. I definitely made the right call.

I took some video, and if it looks at all interesting, I'll post something...

I was out a few weeks ago and there was a much smaller south swell - 3 ft max.  I didn't skunk but it was a very slow day.  A salty old timer on a home painted fishing boat with plywood cabin asked how I did and he responded "yeah, it's the south swell.  Whenever you see that you know ground fishing isn't going to be good". 

Is there truth to his comment? 

When the swell goes south, the fish shut their mouth