In Pacifica, as elsewhere along the coast, the potentially dangerous surfing conditions are a bigger problem than the rain caused by the storm.
But for kitesurfers like Peter Crocker and Nano Prefuti, the gusts that many consider miserable are perfect.
“It was amazing. Super strong. It’s freezing. I can’t feel my feet,” Prefuti said.
KPIX First warning again: Current conditions, warnings and maps for your region
The big waves caused by this week’s storm may be fun for kitesurfers, but those on the nearby harbor patrol said they could also spell disaster for others, such as boaters.
“Currently there are stormy conditions so we have our storm flags up. You will see the double pennant flags flying on our flag at the front of the office. So you will see 25 to 30 knot winds and gusts of 45, sometimes a little more. Sea conditions are pretty big. We’re talking 12 to 15 foot waves and a 15 foot swell from the south after 11 seconds, it’s pretty nasty out there.” said Julio Abdallah of Pillar Point Harbor Patrol.
These conditions increase the chance of boats being damaged or even capsized, having already seen several boats capsize in Bodega Bay this month, killing several people.
The harbor patrol warns everyone to take this storm seriously.
“For those people who do have boats that go out into the ocean, I would strongly advise not to go out in these types of conditions. There is no reason to go out at this time. No one is fishing for anything,” Abdallah said.
For those who kitesurf, they even say they take precautions and keep an eye on the wind to make sure they don’t get too bad. But as long as conditions remain safe, they said they will stay here through the storm.
“This is the place for high winds, especially during winter storms, so as long as it’s here, someone is definitely going to be there,” Crocker said.
