Massive ocean swells powered by Hurricane Marie slammed into the Laguna Beach coastline this week, triggering dramatic 10- to 20-foot waves and sweeping seawater onto beachfront parking areas. While the storm remained far offshore, its atmospheric energy produced some of the most awe-inspiring and dangerous surf Southern California has witnessed all summer.
The peak of the swell struck during the first week of September, coinciding with high tides that drastically amplified the violent shorebreak. At Aliso Beach, heavy backwash waves pummeled the sand and surged into nearby parking lots.
Despite high-surf warnings, the spectacle drew hundreds of spectators, photographers and watermen eager to take part in the historic event. Experienced big-wave surfers paddled out to tackle the booming, fast-closing barrels, while elite local skimboarders charged the punishing shorebreak…