A high surf warning is set to go into effect along California’s Central Coast on New Year’s Day as forecasters warn of potentially dangerous waves up to 20 feet tall.

From Wednesday through Friday, high surf is expected to develop along the coastline from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo counties, according to the National Weather Service.

The tallest waves are anticipated on west-facing beaches above Santa Barbara into San Luis Obispo County, where “dangerously large breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet with dangerous rip currents,” are possible, forecasters said.

A high surf advisory is in effect for that area through 2 p.m. Wednesday, when it will turn into a high surf warning. The warning is scheduled to expire 2 p.m. Thursday.

Potential impacts include strong rip currents that pose an “exceptional risk” of drowning to swimmers, as well as damage to coastal structures, according to NWS.

Large waves of 8 to 10 feet are expected to develop along Ventura County beginning Wednesday, with local sets of up to 12 feet possible.

The south coast of Santa Barbara along with Los Angeles County beaches will get relatively smaller waves of 4 to 7 feet on Wednesday and Thursday, the weather service said.

A high surf advisory is already in effect for coastal Ventura County, and one will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday in L.A. County, according to NWS. Both are expected to last through Friday night.

The conditions could create rip currents, and inexperienced swimmers are advised to stay out of the ocean during periods of high surf.



Source: KTLA

A large long-period swell will move into the region through Thursday from a distant storm system. High surf will develop will develop at beaches along the Central Coast and Ventura County through early Tuesday morning, then into Santa Barbara South Coast and Los Angeles County beaches Wednesday. The highest surf will occur at west and northwest beaches. Surf will peak on Thursday when there is a possibility of damaging sets at Central Coast beaches. Swimmers and inexperienced surfers should stay out of the water through Friday. People are advised to stay off of rock walls and jetties. Never ever turn your back to the ocean. Dangerous rip currents and minor beach erosion are possible. Sneaker waves can inundate beaches and overtop jetties at any moment.

Source: National Weather Service

The average water temps as of December 31st.

"2020 Starts With a Bang!"

Well that's what Surfline is claiming. "Large shot of northwest swell builds in and peaks for the West Coast mid-late week. Conditions are a little dicey, but the mornings look mostly clean with light winds."

Wednesday, January 1st: 3-4’+ average breaks, 4-6′ at winter standouts. Favorable winds.

Steep NW swell (295+) holds pretty steadily early, easing in the afternoon as new long period WNW swell (285-300; peak direction 290-295) builds in. Size generally holds from late Tuesday with better exposures in the waist-shoulder high range as top winter spots of southern Ventura, the South Bay, and South SD see sets pushing overhead. The fresh, long period WNW swell should level size off through the afternoon, the bulk of the new swell building in after dark. Variable to light offshore easterly wind early trends light southerly midday before dropping off in the afternoon.

With the 2019 coming to a close, a popular thing on Instagram has been the #2019bestnine posts. A site called Best Nine collects what they consider your best 9 posts on Instagram and makes a photo collage of them. There are many apps and site that will do it, but this one is totally free and requires no email, no data collecting app to install, or any of that crap. You don't need to install anything on your device, don't fall for those scams. Is the result 100% accurate? Probably not, but close enough for Instagram use.

Here is Shacked's:



And the Best Nine from our Online Store:





To see what your best nine are , go to Best Nine, it's free and nothing to install or sign up for.

Boardriders Malibu and Vintage Surfboard Collector Club are hosting the first Surf Swap of the new year. Mark your calendars, Saturday January 4th, for some epic vibes! Whether your looking to buy, sell or trade, there will be boards and gear for everyone!

Boardriders Malibu
18820 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, Ca 80265
310 - 359 - 8274


Check out photos from a previous swap event: Topanga Vintage Surf Swap

Win a Trip to Hawaii with the Body Glove Team

Prize Includes:

Round-trip coach airfare for two from major U.S. airport nearest selected entrant's residence to Oahu, Hawaii

3-night stay for two at the Turtle Bay Resort Hawaii (standard room, double-occupancy)

Meet and Greet event with Body Glove sponsored athletes

Dinner with the Body Glove crew

$1000 gift card to be used at BodyGlove.com

Total value: $3000+

ENTER HERE

Next month at Boardriders Malibu, everyone’s invited to the free screening of the surf film “Life In General”. It happens on Thursday the 9th, 7-9pm. There might be will be free food & beer, there was at the last screening.

Boardriders Malibu
18820 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, Ca 80265
310 - 359 - 8274

Due to additional significant rainfall on 12/26/19, the Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been extended for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 7:30 AM , Sunday, December 29, 2019. Beach users are cautioned to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after significant rainfall. This advisory may be extended depending upon further rainfall. (The current rainfall has not yet reached a significant level).

Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location.