Southern swell draws hundreds of surfers, spectators to The Wedge

A southern swell generated by tropical storm Eugene pushed waves at the Wedge in Newport Beach to 10 feet tall on Tuesday.

The pumped up waves drew hundreds of onlookers as dozens of surfers and bodyboarders took advantage of the swell.

"Oh it's gnarly out there, the waves are huge," said Brandon Varela, a surfer
who admitted he had some wipeouts. "I had a couple right over the falls, held me down for a good 45 seconds probably, smashes you on the ground, it's great though."

Bodyboarder Joe Grodzen agreed.

"It's fun, really great conditions for bodyboarding, some fun waves, about a 4-6 foot face maybe a few bigger ones," he said. "I had a couple wipeouts, one with my friend, he flew over my head, no major incidents."

Others were content with stating dry on the shore, and observing.

"It's pretty gnarly out there and I just don't wanna get wrecked, and I don't want lifeguards coming after me and get embarrassed," said Kyle Peppler, a spectator.

Yellow flag conditions were in effect on Tuesday, and lifeguards kept a close eye on all those who entered the water.

No injuries or rescues were reported at the Wedge.

The swell and high surf advisory is expected to continue through Wednesday night.

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