Rare Waves Break in Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island (Video)

Since the wind and waves don’t have an entire ocean to traverse, the waves look similar to the freshwater surf scenes – like, for example, the Great Lakes. And to be honest, the waves aren’t necessarily “good” by any standard of measurement. But the novelty factor, which counts for something, is through the roof. Boats anchored just outside the breaking waves, surfers clad in diving wetsuits, the iconic Catalina Casino in the backdrop. It's a once-a-year kind of wave – if you're lucky.

An Instagram post, showing the surf straight on, captioned:

“Catching some waves in Avalon Harbor. The recent high winds created a surfing spot in our normally calm harbor.

“We’re keeping all those affected by the weather, winds and fires on the mainland in our thoughts.”

Typically, any surfing seen on Catalina Island is done on the opposite side of the landmass. There’s a handful of spots, nooks, and crannies, that – if you’re willing to go the extra mile, and/or have a boat – can play host to some of Southern California’s least crowded, most remote waves.