KQED is a proud member of
Save ArticleSave Article
upper waypoint
News Fix

Big Waves Return, But Why Now?

Gabriel Coan
Save ArticleSave Article
Failed to save article

Please try again

Bodyboarders catch big waves in Newport Beach, California, July 24, 2009. (Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)

The three-month window in which the annual, spontaneous Mavericks Invitational surf contest will be held has officially opened.

A high-surf advisory is in effect for the San Francisco shoreline.

Beaches have become danger zones.

All signs point to it  … it’s Big Wave Time!

Just as we have the last few years at this time, we’d like to take this opportunity to point you to a fantastic episode of KQED’s Quest that explores the science of big waves.

Sponsored

What causes these monstrous walls of water? How are they formed? When do they typically happen?

And why do some seemingly ignore the natural human instinct for self preservation by surfing these waves?

lower waypoint
next waypoint
State Prisons Offset New Inmate Wage Hikes by Cutting Hours for Some WorkersCecil Williams, Legendary Pastor of Glide Church, Dies at 94Erik Aadahl on the Power of Sound in FilmFresno's Chinatown Neighborhood To See Big Changes From High Speed RailKQED Youth Takeover: How Can San Jose Schools Create Safer Campuses?How to Attend a Rally Safely in the Bay Area: Your Rights, Protections and the PoliceWill Less Homework Stress Make California Students Happier?Silicon Valley House Seat Race Gets a RecountNurses Warn Patient Safety at Risk as AI Use Spreads in Health CareRainn Wilson from ‘The Office’ on Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution