BIG swell hits So. Cal: I heard that the BIG swell hit So. Cal. and that the famous "WEDGE" in Newport Beach was going off. There were hundreds of spectators and photographers watching...

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

I heard that the BIG swell hit So. Cal. and that the famous "WEDGE" in Newport Beach was going off. There were hundreds of spectators and photographers watching the boogie boarders and surfers riding these very dangerous waves. In my short time of two hours there, two rescues were made. The larger sets were 20'+. Here is a taste of the action.

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seagullSuz Loc: So Cali transplant to Utah

BrentHarder wrote:

I heard that the BIG swell hit So. Cal. and that the famous "WEDGE" in Newport Beach was going off. There were hundreds of spectators and photographers watching the boogie boarders and surfers riding these very dangerous waves. In my short time of two hours there, two rescues were made. The larger sets were 20'+. Here is a taste of the action.

Brent,
What an amazing set of pics!.....I'm loving each one, but my heart's racing just checking them out on the downloads.
#3 - air borne twin fin!
#4 - hope that curl continued and he got a great ride!
#5 - scary traffic!
#8 - nice carve out; beautiful water fan
#9 - Whoa!
#10 - Hold on dude!
#14 - almost hangin' ten!...check out his facial expression!

What a thrill for you and everyone there!...thanks for sharing.

GWR100 Loc: England

Fabulious set Brent, great photography.

BrentHarder wrote:

I heard that the BIG swell hit So. Cal. and that the famous "WEDGE" in Newport Beach was going off. There were hundreds of spectators and photographers watching the boogie boarders and surfers riding these very dangerous waves. In my short time of two hours there, two rescues were made. The larger sets were 20'+. Here is a taste of the action.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

seagullSuz wrote:

Brent,
What an amazing set of pics!.....I'm loving each one, but my heart's racing just checking them out on the downloads.
#3 - air borne twin fin!
#4 - hope that curl continued and he got a great ride!
#5 - scary traffic!
#8 - nice carve out; beautiful water fan
#9 - Whoa!
#10 - Hold on dude!
#14 - almost hangin' ten!...check out his facial expression!

What a thrill for you and everyone there!...thanks for sharing.

Yes Suz, it was a thrill for everyone there, especially for this guy who nearly died. He was ok but learned a lesson he will never forget. Thank you lifeguards for all that you do. This second photo is a tribute to all the lifeguards everywhere, both at the beach and at the pools.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

GWR100 wrote:

Fabulious set Brent, great photography.

Thank you very much GWR100. Today is another HUGE day of waves in So. Cal, and I'm heading out soon to photograph more surfing at other beaches. Check back later tonight for photos!

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

Interesting series of shots Brent, well done. 8-)

scootersurfs Loc: Buckeye, Az

BrentHarder wrote:

I heard that the BIG swell hit So. Cal. and that the famous "WEDGE" in Newport Beach was going off. There were hundreds of spectators and photographers watching the boogie boarders and surfers riding these very dangerous waves. In my short time of two hours there, two rescues were made. The larger sets were 20'+. Here is a taste of the action.

Cool....the only thing I would say, is panning out on some of the riders would give the view more perspective regarding how truly big it was yesterday. Just an observation Brent, otherwise, well done dude!

8-)

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

scootersurfs wrote:

Cool....the only thing I would say, is panning out on some of the riders would give the view more perspective regarding how truly big it was yesterday. Just an observation Brent, otherwise, well done dude!

8-)

Thanks for the "well done dude!"
I like to see detail, so I like to crop close to the subject. On the first photo I tried to show some scale of the wave in relationship to the people in the water. That first photo shows how dangerous it was out there....HUGE!

scootersurfs Loc: Buckeye, Az

BrentHarder wrote:

Thanks for the "well done dude!"
I like to see detail, so I like to crop close to the subject. On the first photo I tried to show some scale of the wave in relationship to the people in the water. That first photo shows how dangerous it was out there....HUGE!

Yeah, that was a good shot showing the size and perspective of the bodies to the wave. I do like the close ups as well. Just would like to see more panos from you.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

scootersurfs wrote:

Yeah, that was a good shot showing the size and perspective of the bodies to the wave. I do like the close ups as well. Just would like to see more panos from you.

Well Steve, maybe next time I will do that.
Question for you: You photographed the Wedge in the morning, right? I'm sure everyone would love to see your pictures. Come on, give!

infocus Loc: Australia

BrentHarder wrote:

I heard that the BIG swell hit So. Cal. and that the famous "WEDGE" in Newport Beach was going off. There were hundreds of spectators and photographers watching the boogie boarders and surfers riding these very dangerous waves. In my short time of two hours there, two rescues were made. The larger sets were 20'+. Here is a taste of the action.

They are really special Brent. I'd love to be able to do that. I think it would be totally liberating - and just a bit scarey.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

infocus wrote:

They are really special Brent. I'd love to be able to do that. I think it would be totally liberating - and just a bit scarey.

Hmmmmmmmm you are from the land down under and probably live near the beach. The only thing you have to worry about is sharks! I know they put up safety nets to keep them away from the people, right?

Rabbott Loc: Grass Valley , California

wow, really good shots !!

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Rabbott wrote:

wow, really good shots !!

Thanks Rabbott. I enjoyed your photos of Goat Rock.