Winter in Northern California has been off to a slow start, to say the very least. So has the rest of California, for that matter. And with all the hype surrounding El Niño, the wave expectations were set quite of high. After what felt like an eternity, it seems as if El Niño is finally showing up to the party.
This divine day I dedicated my time to be on it before the sun came up, and I planned to stay as I long as my body would allow. I parked at Sloat and walked all the way up to Noriega with my dog, shooting along the way. The buzz was happening at the dunes above Noriega. A small group of shooters with massive lenses were poised for the next person to take off on the next set wave. Ocean Beach was pumping.
They say if you can surf Ocean Beach when it’s big, you can surf anywhere. In fact, 30- to 45-minute paddle outs are not entirely uncommon. You have to be committed, otherwise you’ll have to paddle back in with your tail between your legs. I’ve been there, it’s frustrating. For this, I applaud those who made it outside. These photos are for you guys.
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