Spectators gathered at San Diego beaches Thursday where huge swells and rough water proved too challenging even for seasoned surfers.
In Del Mar, surfers became spectators as the waves became choppy. Many surfers had attempted to take advantage of the big swells early on in the morning, but soon decided the waves were better appreciated from land. Residents who stopped to watch the waves often found themselves unexpectedly splashed by waves that came on shore.
The big waves are expected to gradually subside by Friday afternoon.
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In Mission Beach, the boardwalk was wet where waves had made it past the sand. Joggers ran by, marveling at the waves, as lifeguards remained to warn any potential swimmers of rough water. No one braved the waves at Mission Beach or Ocean Beach on Thursday morning.
Waves in Ocean Beach crashed against the pier as a crowd gathered to watch. Crews were busy at work fortifying the sand barrier along the beach, which helps to keep waves from flooding coastal neighborhoods.
Ruth Paschal, of the Ocean Beach Child Development Center, said she thought it would be fun to bring the kids from the center to see the waves. Most of the kids sat mesmerized as the waves hit Ocean Beach Pier.
