Pacific Peril: Big Waves & Close Calls Hit US Coastlines
The Pacific Ocean is serving up a double dose of drama this week, with California surfers dodging teeth and Hawaii riders preparing for monster swells. While one coast faces awe-inspiring giants, the other grapples with a sobering reminder of the ocean's wild side. For those behind the lens, these moments present both thrilling opportunities and urgent safety warnings.
Hawaii: 20-Foot Behaviors on the Horizon
Surfers and photographers on Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau are scrambling for their boards (and cameras) as forecasters predict a 14-to-20-foot swell hammering north and west shores. The National Weather Service's advisory, issued through Monday morning, warns of rapidly rising surf peaking this afternoon. That's board-snapping territory – perfect for capturing dramatic wipeouts or fearless tube rides, but a nightmare for beachgoers. Rip currents and sneaky shore breaks will be packing serious power, so keep your lens dry and your head above water if you're spectating.
California: When the Board Becomes a Shield
Meanwhile, 300 miles north of San Francisco, surfer Tommy Civik got a firsthand lesson in ocean unpredictability near Gualala. A shark encounter Tuesday left his board in two pieces and Civik scrambling for shore after being launched into the air. 'I never saw it,' Civik told reporters, crediting his snapped board for absorbing most of the damage. Stitched up and shaken but alive, Civik's experience marks California's first confirmed shark incident of 2026. As Active NorCal reports, wildlife officials are analyzing DNA from his wound to ID the species. For photographers, this is a stark reminder: that perfect overhead shot might come with unintended consequences.
These stories bookend the spectrum of Pacific conditions – from the majestic power of Hawaiian swells to the raw unpredictability of marine encounters. Whether you're chasing barrels at Pipeline or dodging debris at The Wedge, respect the rhythm. And remember: the best shot is the one where you're still dry enough to upload it later.