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Surfers Come Out in Droves to Enjoy Big Seal Beach Waves
Big waves are banging into the Southern California coast today. Surfers and bodyboarders in Seal Beach were treated to six- to eight-foot waves this morning, with occasional 10-foot sets. KPCC's Susan Valot says it's a surfer's, and gawker's, heaven.
Susan Valot: The pounding surf rattles the pilings of the Seal Beach Pier, making it shake and shudder like an earthquake. Rick Entrikin of Seal Beach stands on the pier, taking in the scene.
Rick Entrikin: It's phenomenal. When the pier starts shakin' when you're standing on it, you know you've got some big, phenomenal waves comin'.
Valot: More than 100 surfers and bodyboarders bob in the water on both sides of the pier. On shore, Zack Ernst of Seal Beach is holding two halves of his surfboard.
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Zack Ernst: Took a wave that I probably shouldn't have, and the water and the sand did the rest, I guess.
Valot: But Ernst says at least it was his "backup" board. Still, he says he's tempted to bring out his good board for another few rides. He says it's worth the risk of breaking another one.
Ernst: Between you and a board and just having a lot of fun, it's a cool thing! It's kept me doing it for years and years and hopefully years to come, and I'm sure I'll break more boards and – (laughs)
Valot: You know, there's a reason they call some of these waves "bone-crushers."
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
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