Lost Boys & Co.

Lost Boys & Co... W ell, we're about to put 2010 in the vault and here it is.  Yes, this the vault where all of the old years are kept.  Okay, not all of the old years - like 1957 is not in there and neither is 1865, 1907 or 1938.  No, we don't know where they are, but they're not in there...  A beautiful, but cold, day.  Unlimited visibility and just a few clouds.  Winds were offshore all morning to 3.8kts and the sea surface was smooth to glassy.  The air temp at checkout was 38.3 colder-than-shit degrees and the water was a damn-cold 51.9°.  We're not sure but that might be a record for cold water here - we'll check and get back to you on that.  High tide is at 5:39am +6.2' and low tide will follow at 1:06pm -0.7'.  We have a west swell out of 265° at 3.3' and we're calling it 3' to 4'.  Lots of folks out trying to send off the old year with a surf... R emember Kincaid's at 5pm this evening.  It'll be good for you...  you&#

Lost Boys & Co... S o, while you're all snugly in your crib, Capt. Ron Corpus is out there placing his cones, checking the water temp and keeping a close eye on the half-dozen guys who decided that their new wetsuits were good enough for the wind and cold.  Like, it would have been enough if it were just cold - but that wind straight out of the north - brutal. T he numbers tell us that we can see as far as you'd like and there are only some hi clouds slipping about through the ether.  Winds are persistent and whipping at 15 to 18kts and the sea surface looks like it.  It's alternately chopped and blown down.  Meanwhile, the air is a refreshing 44.3 boss degrees and the water doesn't help much at 57.7°.  High tide wakes up early at 4:49am +5.9' and low tide is at 12:16pm -0.1'.  The buoy remains moored at 33° 51' 16 N / 118° 37' 59" W reading a W swell out of 272° true at 7.5'.  Because of the wind and the angle we're calling it 3' t

Lost Boys & Co... D ue to some trick of captured light, even though the surf looked brown this morning, this rendition insists on making it look blue.  The waves looked like low fat chocolate milk.  Maybe weak Bosco.  Wait, Bosco wasn't really chocolate milk.  It was a milk fortifier... S o, it's raining, just like they said it would.  Visibility is right around 3 miles and the sky is cloudy and leaking profusely.  It's supposed to rain until about 1pm and then remain cloudy until tomorrow.  Winds are currently offshore by 7.4kts and the sea surface is rain soaked, wind brushed and passingly smooth.  The air temperature is 52.5° and the water is 57.7°.  Low tide is at 11:145am +0.6' and high tide will be at 5:15pm +3.1'.  The buoy is reading a WSW swell out of 250° at 3.3'.  We're calling it 2' to 3' with some shoulder high sets at the better spots. I n our second shot we have Mark cruising on a nice right that managed to hold up for him all the

Lost Boys & Co... P hoto number one takes yesterday's offering and renders it in B & W for a little less distraction.  Maybe we need to work on some t-shirts? (Artwork courtesy of larrr, photo: the Professor.)  Now, if you look a little to the left you'll see Ché ripping this little sneaker all the way to 615!  Despite the size and tide, there were still some fun ones out there.  Let's check the numbers... V isibility was 25 miles, under clear and almost perfectly cloudless skies.  (Enjoy it while you can - everyone is reporting rain tonight through the morning.)  Winds were offshore at checkout by 5.1kts and the sea surface was smooth.  The air continued to be brisk at 46.1° and the water was most winter-like at 57.6° at the buoy.  We say "at the buoy" because Andrew, the guard at Topaz, told us that he dipped the temp at 54.8°!  That's exactly how it felt too!  Low tide at 9:55am +1.3' and high tide is at 3:28pm +3.2'.  The 46221 buoy was re

Lost Boys & Co... W ell, did you get everything you wanted?  Okay, did you get something you wanted?  Wait, did you get anything ?  We got two three-packs of flannel underoos.  Damn, they are the best.  Straight from Idaho where they have all those merino sheep.  Wearing the black ones with the white snow flakes right now! S unny and cold this morning!  Unlimited visibility, with just a few high clouds in the corners.  Winds are offshore at 3.8kts and the sea surface has a slight roll from the blow yesterday.  The air is a brisk 47.3°, the water is 57.7° and your skin temp is right around 91° - so if you're feeling a bit chilly, now you know why.  Low tide is at 8:20am +1.9' and high tide is at 1:44pm +3.8'.  The buoy is reading a WSW swell out of 255° at 4.6'.  We're calling it 3' to 5' and there were some nice ones coming through all morning.  You had to be in the right place, but hey - you're always in the right place. H ere's our last instal

Lost Boys & Co... Manhattan Pier was looking rather festive last night, as we took an evening bike ride to check out the Christmas Lights.  Kinda brings a small town flavor to the proceedings... A brilliant morning with unlimited visibility and partly cloudy skies.  Winds were offshore by 3.8kts and the sea surface was glassy.  The air temp was a chilly 48.5° and the water almost seemed warm at 57.6°.  High tide was at 10:28am +6.0' and low tide will follow at 5:40pm -0.7'.  The sun goes down a little before 5pm so you can head down, watch the sunset and stroll along the sand.  The buoy is reading a WSW swell out of 257° at 3.0'.  We're calling it 3' to 4' and although it looked pretty walled, there were a few corners sneaking through.  Pretty fun for a Christmas Eve... From larr, we have the following important tips: > HOLIDAY EATING TIPS   1.    Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone

Lost Boys & Co... W e took the first shot this morning while checking it out with Ché and Léonard Treadwell.  Mac had been waiting for the lefts to get a little better organized and took off on this steep, but pretty, smoker.  It was what you might call mid-sized for Topaz. E ven though it was a bit cloudy when we first hit the water, visibility was about 25 miles and skies began to clear fairly quickly.  Winds were offshore by 3.5kts and the sea surface had a bit of roll to it, but was smooth as the swell would allow.  The air temp was 53.4° and the water wasn't too bad at 57.4°.  High tide was at 9:42am +6.4' and low tide will follow at a really low -1.1'.  The buoy was reading a WSW swell out of 251° at 5.9'.  We're calling it 4' to 6' with some howlers coming through at Topaz and some nice lefts at Sapphire.  A bit of the holiday crowdedness, but a good crew and everyone was using their best manners.  We're thinking that, just maybe, they'r

Lost Boys & Co... O ur first photo is courtesy of Mike McKinney who writes: Hi Professor, I promised to send you a photo from our big win in Hawaii .  The Molokai Hoe, considered the World Championship long distance outrigger canoe race , was held on 10/10/10.  I raced with a 12 man crew of California all-stars, all 55 years old plus.  (At 56 I was the youngest)   The race starts at Molokai and finishes in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki .  We were fortunate to have, "Hawaiian conditions", meaning 25 knot trade winds and huge following seas.  What that really means is a nice trade wind at your back to keep you cooled off and swells that surf a 45 foot canoe like a rocket.  There was also a swell coming from starboard  and we were occasionally completely covered by crashing waves.  The Hawaiian's pride themselves for being able to compete handily in these conditions as opposed to our docile California waters.  After 6 hours and 5 minutes of raci

Lost Boys & Co... V inny caught this skim boarder on a roundhouse back into the sand a couple of weeks ago.  He also sent a correction on our third photo yesterday... "Third photo.....well i know anyway that that dude there can only be the Cormaster "Cory" getting it on! a good looking right at Topaz!! " M ore rain today and more rain yet to come.  Visibility is 2 miles and the clouds are low and getting rid of all that moisture.  It does kinda make it seem like Christmas, California style.  Winds have been calm all day and the sea surface is smoothed by the rippling rain.  As it rains harder, the drops set up a ringing in the water, that sound a bit like something out of Star Wars.  The air temperature was 53.3° at checkout and the water is 58.1°.  High tide was at 8:17am +6.6' and low tide will be at 3:39pm -1.2'.  The swell is coming out of WSW 252° at 4.6' and we're calling it 4' to 5' with some nicely brushed, rain burnished faces. 

Lost Boys & Co... O ur first shot today is Chris over at Sapphire enjoying the last sun filled weekend we had this month. C ompared to this morning it looks like the tropics!  It's been raining all morning and we have about a ½ mile visibility between the raindrops.  Winds are calm with a slight breeze out of the east at 2kts.  The sea surface is smooth with that rain textured gray-green cast.  The air temperature is 56.3° and the water is not bad at 58.1°.  High tide is at 7:39am +6.5' and low tide is really low at 3:02pm -1.1'.  Big tidal variations all through the week and if you could see it a total eclipse of the moon around midnight in these latitudes.  The buoy is reading a WSW swell out of 247° at 4.3' and we're calling it 4' with some bigger outsides.  Looks like it might work tomorrow as the tide drops - 10am?  Check it out! O ur second shot is the winning team "KGB" in the Redondo Alumni Contest.  Standouts were Jamie Meistrell (right b

Lost Boys & Co... I n most of the country, standing water looks a lot like photo number 1.  Apparently, this is what happens when things don't freeze uniformly and water keeps circulating underneath the thin surface ice.  Make a note... R ainy, drizzly and generally moist-ish everywhere this morning.  3 miles visibility under cloudy, heavy skies.  The hawk is up, blowing offshore at a healthy 7.5kts and the sea surface has that light reverse tack that characterizes these conditions.  The air temp is 53.3° and the water is 58.1°.  High tide is at 5:52am +5.6' and low tide will follow at 1:16pm +0.1'.  A pretty healthy tidal switch.  The buoy is reading a SSE swell out of 147° true at 2.6'.  We're calling it 1' to 2' and it's perfect shape at Hermosa Pier on the north side.  Danger Boy and the Professor stood there in the rain trying to will it bigger.  Nothing...  maybe tomorrow, if the water quality doesn't send you back under the sheets. P hoto

Lost Boys & Co... A s we all know, Sapphire is famous for it's lefts.  That being said there are a number of right handers that come bouncing through Sapphire bay.  Sting caught One-Nut Mike and Danger Boy a week ago taking advantage of the situation... V isibility is 10 miles this morning with some fat looking rain clouds lumbering about.  Some sprinkles, but nothing to stop the picnic.  Winds were onshore from the get-go by 5.7kts and the sea surface had a definite tack.  The air temp was 54.3° and the water was 57.9°.  As Joel Gittleson might say, "Jump right in and warm up!"  High tide is at 5:18am +5.2' and low tide will follow at 12:47pm +0.7'.  The buoy is bobbing along on a SSW swell out of 195° at 3.0'.  We're calling it 1' to 2' and waiting for it to pull to the west so we can go surfing.  Maybe mañana... M urf weighs in: Dear LBs', Wendys', et al, Have been preoccupied lately with the most incredible little girl in the wor

Lost Boys & Co... I f there's one thing Johnny Siskowic can do is go fast .  Here's an example on a Topaz steamer about a week ago.  Of course he made it!  Photo credit: Vinny Imbiale (who we hope is mending quickly.) M isty cool morning with the ceiling right on the ground.  3 miles visibility and a few drizzlations in the corners.  Winds offshore by 5.1kts at checkout and the sea surface was glassy.  The air temperature is 54.3° and the water is 57.6°.  High tide kicks in early at 4:45am +4.9' and low tide will be at 12:01pm +1.3'.  The ever popular 46221 Buoy is reading a SSW swell out of 205° true at 3.3'.  Still too much south for most of the breaks, but it's 1' to 3' and if you're hungry you can grab a bite. "My Other Car Is A Zamboni" Dept.: So Danger Girl, Donna Ball, went to the hockey game with Danger Boy on her birthday.  When the period was winding down a handsome gent appeared at her elbow and escorted her down to the ice.

Lost Boys & Co.. . A nother couple of shots from Sting Ginther.  #1 is Sandy the Queen of Sapphire sneaking through this little peeler, stretching it much further than you might have thought possible.  Then there's One-Nut Mike, well positioned to make this little drop and set up fast enough to flip through the tube and keep his hairs dry. Y eah, those pics were from Sunday when it was nice and sunny.  This morning things were gray and overcast and visibility was maybe 5 miles.  Winds were offshore at checkout by a roaring 1kt and the sea surface was glassy.  The air temperature was 51.0° and t he water was 57.9°.  Low tide was at 11:11am +1.9' and high tide was at 4:32pm +3.0'.  The buoy was teasing us this morning with a south south west swell out of 193° at 3.0'.  All we got was about 2' of that and not very deluxe for what it was worth... N otes on being a good surfer: Who the f&$# is Brad Melekian???  Maybe he's the one that should shut up.  Geez! 

Lost Boys & Co... B uffalo Kevin Holmes at Sapphire.  11'6" and he uses every inch...  Like when he dances on the nose.  Sunday, December 12th - photo credit:  Sting Ginther. A beautiful summer December day with unlimited visibility.  Nary a cloud in the sky and winds offshore at 6.3kts.  The sea surface is glassy.  The air temperature is a warmish 58.9°, going up to the mid-70's.  The water temperature is 57.7° and feels exactly like it.  Low tide is at 9:58am +2.4' and high tide will be at 2:48pm +3.2'.  The buoy is reading a SW swell out of 215° at 2.6'.  We're calling it 1' to 3' but a bit wally and not quite deluxe.  Watch the tides for things to peak just right... T he way we remember it is that Big Wave Dave found the fuse.  We just said, "Hey let's light it and see where it goes."  Actually there were a lot of good things that happened.  We got patted down and they didn't find anything (except Dave's matches,) we

Lost Boys & Co... A couple of shots of Topaz with Alex G. spanking the lip and the Professor coming from behind on one of those long snaky inside waves. G reat license plate frame:  "Watch Out!  I cheated at the DMV" F oggy this morning with about a hundred and fifty yards visibility.  Everyone was cruising around waiting for it to lift - didn't happen all morning.  Winds were 2kts out of the south and the sea surface had a pronounced rolling bump.  The air temp was 52.4° and the water was 57.0°.  High tide was late at 11:18am +4.9' and low tide will follow at 5:26pm +2.8'.  The recently repaired 46221 buoy is reading a west swell out of 269° at 5.2'.  It's aimed right at us and we're seeing some 3' to 5' waves coming through.  The fog is making it a bit gauzy, but you can see'm coming in enough time. BMHS tomorrow at the Hermosa Beach Pier against all comers.  See if a Catholic education really helps...  Starts at 7am, south side of

Lost Boys & Co.. . V inny ought to consider taking up surf photography full time!  Shot #1 is Cory still going up.  We have no doubt that he connected with his board somewhere in the stratosphere and hit the landing perfectly.  #2 is the Professor on a snaky little left.  We played with the color a bit, but you get the picture... A beautiful morning with 20 miles visibility under mostly sunny skies.  Winds were offshore by 5.4kts and the sea surface was smooth.  The air was a chilly 48.9° and the water was 57.0°.  It was sure nice when the sun hit full on the water...  High tide was at 10:35am +5.5' and low tide will follow at 6:02pm -0.1'.  The buoy is reading 5.6' out of the west at 261°.  Right in our window!  Topaz and Sapphire were in the 4' to 5' range and there were some wally crashy slabs moving through.  Birdie and Wheatley tried to work it at Secrets, but it wasn't deluxe.  Sapphire wasn't as big, but had some nice shape and Ché and the Profe

Lost Boys & Co... S orry about no report yesterday.  The water heater failed.  No - it was more spectacular than that.  First it atomized all of the water in the tank and sent it into the kitchen.  This caused all of the windows to fog.  But more incredibly, it condensed on the ceiling so that it looked like Carlsbad Caverns.  Hell, in 50 or 60 thousand years we could'a had stalactites or stalagmites and a first class attraction...  Being impatient, we just replaced the damned thing... T his morning we caught Topaz on the rising tide and Vinny got a snap of Sandy on this sweet little left. M ostly sunny today with 20 miles visibility.  Winds were calm and the sea surface was smooth.  The air temperature was 52.4° and the water is 56.3°.  High tide was at 9:55am +6.0' and low tide will be at 5:21pm -0.5'.  The buoy is reading a WSW swell out of 258° at 3.0' and we're calling it 3' to 4' with a bit of a bump to it... O ur second pic begs the question:  &q

Lost Boys & Co... Hey, get away from that super-secret space craft and...  WAIT!  Is that Lethal Keithal in that space suit?  What planet is he on?  Can't he just breathe normally like the rest of us?  Does look kinda bitchin' though...  If you're interested in what he's really doing, check out:  http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1012/03x37gallery/02.jpg Our second shot is from Sunday mid-day of John Siskowik (sp?)  John famously hangs back in the sweet spot no matter where he's riding or how big or small it is.  Vinny Imbiale was up on the jetty taking a few snaps of the knee slappers as they came bending through Sapphire.  Vinny hurt his knee and will be out for a while, so he's taking pictures.  Here's wishing him a speedy recovery (but we like the pics too!) Partly cloudy skies this morning with 12 miles visibility.  Rained pretty hard last night, so things are looking pretty fresh.  Winds are already out of the NNW by 2.5kts and the sea surface has a

Lost Boys & Co... W e followed this truck for about 2 ½ hours until he pulled over for gas.  This is what it looked like the whole time, except sometimes it was snowing more enthusiastically and the wind was blowing so hard the ground looked like it was moving sideways at about 35mph.  When we stopped for gas we noticed all of the ice in the wheel wells.  You can tell we weren't doing much turning since the rime was pretty much unbroken and right to the tread on both sides.  Of course by the time we got there it was too late to go swimming.   They had closed the swimming hole... :( P artly cloudy this morning with 18 miles visibility.  Winds were offshore by 1.5kts and the sea surface was smooth to glassy.  The air temp was 47.8° and the water was a chilly 57.2°.  High tide was at 6:39am +6.7' and low tide will follow at 1:51pm -1.0'.  The buoy is reading a west swell out of 265° at 2.0'.  We're calling it 2' and maybe the Cove is going to break as the tide