Elevated surf and strong rip currents are expected to continue throughout Tuesday, July 11 and Wednesday, July 12, due to a southerly swell stemming from Tropical Storm Eugene, according to an alert from the National Weather Service (NWS) on Tuesday.

The tropical storm, formerly a hurricane, is churning in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California. NWS forecasters estimate surf heights between 5 and 8 feet through Wednesday evening, with the highest along south-facing beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, including Malibu, Zuma, Long Beach to Palos Verdes Peninsula, Point Mugu, and beaches on Santa Catalina Island, according to the NWS statement.

Dangerous rip currents and unanticipated large coastal waves, known as sneaker waves, are expected to accompany the high surf. Rip currents, which are strong currents of water flowing away from the shore with surf, are predicted to be frequent.

“There is an increased risk for ocean drowning, especially with more people seeking relief from the hot inland temperatures. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore,” the NWS alert stated.

A high surf advisory will be in effect until 10 p.m. on Wednesday. Forecasters advise beachgoers to swim near lifeguard stations. If caught in a rip current, swimmers are advised to relax, float, and remain parallel to shore until they are able to break free. If unable to escape, swimmers should face the shore and wave or call for help.

According to AccuWeather, Eugene is considered the strongest tropical storm in the Eastern Pacific so far this season. As the storm weakens, the waves and rip currents will likely decrease in strength later this week.

S Hemi Swells Linger; Fading NW Windswell.

LOLA wave height chart showing Hurricane Eugene in the EPAC.

Hurricane Eugene sending swell to exposures. Good to solid South swell continues. Light AM winds for SoCal.

The first major hurricane of the season spinning off the Baja California coast means big waves for our beaches.

Surfers like Bailey Pittard are excited for the swell but high surf advisories issued warn of dangerous rip currents and larger breaking waves up to 8 feet.

“You can feel the energy it’s getting warmer right now,” Pittard said.

Just last week, a missing swimmer’s body was recovered off Rancho Palos Verdes. Back in March another person tragically drowned in Huntington Beach. It’s a reminder the place we go to beat the heat can also be dangerous.

Joe Bartnicki works at Malibu Makos Surf Camp. It’s one of the many camps at Zuma Beach where kids learn to ride waves and be safe in the ocean. He says despite the warnings camp will go on as usual this week.

“Everyday under that black tent there we have a safety meeting and we talk to them about safety every single day,” Bartnicki said.

Aloha Beach campers down the way can tell the waves are bigger.

“Yes there’s a big difference,” one of the campers said. “They keep us safe like we have to stay near them so that makes me more comfortable.”

And even experienced surfers are ready for whatever hurricane Eugene has to bring.

“I get excited. Hopefully it’s good. That’s what I’m hoping for,” Pittard said.

The Odd Squad Car Club held another DogTown Rumble Car Show on Sunday. Once again held in the Venice Beach south parking lot. Clubs and car owners from all over Socal showed up to Dogtown Rumble #7, bringing a mixture of vehicles: lowriders, muscles cars, classic VW's, hot rods, etc...No judges or trophies at these car shows, just a bunch of car guys and gals hanging out with their rides. Check out the photos shot by Six12 Media.


















There's over 100 more photos in the complete Dogtown Rumble 7 Photo Gallery, check them out.

They predicted some good size waves would be coming from the hurricane down south, but it never hit. Two surfers and a bunch of Wavestorms were the only ones out this disappointing day. Photos from Six12 Media.

Join Surfrider LA this Saturday for their monthly Beach Cleanup at Venice Beach 🌊 Let's show some love to our coast and 🐳🐋🐠🐟🐬🐡! They will be out there scooping up butts 🚬, straws and all kinds of trash especially after the 4th, and need your help!

Date: Saturday, July 8th
Location: Venice Beach (just North of the Venice Pier you will see the big blue tent)
Time: 10-1pm

Nice Size S Swell; Minor NW Windswell.

LOLA wave heights in the SPAC last week.

Surf for the West Coast is going to improve for this weekend and early next week as a good size South swell moves in and peaks. Expect overhead surf for better summer breaks. Small NW windswell crosses it up at times. Winds are really the only issue, but winds look relatively light in the early mornings.

The vibes are high in Venice this summer. Join the party for community + commerce at General Admi52ion on Saturday July 8th from 3pm to Sunset.

Percentage of proceeds will be graciously donated to help support surf therapy thru A Walk On Water!

Hanging out in Venice Beach with Krystle McGill