4 Ways To Prepare for Heavy Surf This Winter

It’s packed in the Old Princeton Landing. Dozens of people fill the bar, which sits in the industrial Princeton neighborhood a stone’s throw from Mavericks. It’s typically the scene of post-session debriefs and toasts, but today is a more serious endeavor. Wednesday, October 22, was the first day of the fourth annual Ocean Safety Summit. It’s a two-day gathering that gives anyone with a passing interest in surf or water safety the chance to learn from experienced professionals and seasoned first responders, many of whom know a thing or two about Mavs.

It’s organized by volunteers from the Mavericks water rescue team who provide a layer of safety with jet skis and spotters, often on their own dime. Staff from the United States Coast Guard, Cal Fire, California State Parks, the San Mateo County Harbor District and the Sheriff’s Office are also invited to share insight into what goes into a rescue operation, how they assess risk versus reward, and what winter on the coast is like for them. 

The first day is free to all but the second day has limited slots and is done entirely on the water in  Pillar Point Harbor and Mavericks. Coast Guard and Harbor Patrol personnel hands-on safety training including hoists and jetski pickups. Below are five takeaways from day one.

Have the tools

Stashing a few essentials in your truck or a jetski may be just that: essential. A tourniquet to stop bleeding, an Automated External Defibrillator to give the heart a needed jolt and a radio capable of reaching first responders are just a few items suggested by first responders. Getting CPR certified ain’t a bad idea either. Get trained by professionals on how to use these tools and you may just save a life someday.  

Talk it out

Coast Guard rescue swimmers are in for a wild ride. When lowered from the signature orange helicopter, they’ll confront panicking swimmers, damaged vessels or severe weather conditions (sometimes they get the trifecta).  

Should you come upon a surfer or swimmer struggling in the water, the pros suggest speaking calmly but firmly and engaging in simple conversation. If you’re swimming without a board but have some sort of floating object, get the swimmer to turn around so you can hook your arm or buoy around them and swim backward together. Ask if the swimmer is injured or if anyone else is in trouble. 

Also, if you’re in a busy lineup with skis and boats (like Mavericks), those should be the first line of defense. A Coast Guard bird takes about 30 minutes to get in the air once an emergency call is made. Call the Coast Guard’s operations office directly if you think the cavalry is needed. All respect to local dispatchers, but going to the source saves valuable time if lives are at stake. 

Forecast, forecast, forecast

In addition to plotting long and short-term weather and swell forecasts, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issues beach hazard statements, high surf advisories and storm warnings depending on the severity of swells each winter. NOAA meteorologist Brian Garcia indicated that the Pacific Ocean appears to be on “La Nina watch,” meaning the surface temperatures haven’t cooled significantly to reach the threshold. The Pacific Northwest is typically wetter and cooler, but the high-pressure system off the California coast (usually) means sunny and dry conditions when swell arrives.