Lifeguard John Van Duinwyk keeps an eye on the high surf at Venice Beach in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006. A high tide plus a wind-driven surge from passing storms caused the abnormally high surf.
Kevin Burr of Santa Monica, Calif., tries to avoid the water at Venice Beach in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006.
Venice resident Dayne Contarsy, 14, leaps as high waves roll in at Venice Beach in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006.
Surfers take advantage of big waves Friday, Dec. 30, 2005, off Pedro Point in Pacifica, Calif. Storms across California are expected to generate waves up to 19 feet along the northern and central California coast, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a high-surf advisory.
Surfer's ride a wave Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, after a brake in a winter storm in Santa Barbara, Calif. A series of storms has churned up the ocean along the California coast.
Storm-churned seas sent waves crashing over the breakwater, eroding protective barriers and washing boats ashore Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, in Santa Barbara, Calif.
Surfer's ride a wave after a break in a winter storm Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, in Santa Barbara, Calif.