StarBulletin.com

High surf swells anticipated for weekend


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POSTED: Saturday, July 04, 2009

After the National Weather Service issued a high-surf advisory for the south shores yesterday, some surfers and bodyboarders were a little disappointed with smaller-than-expected waves.

“;I was hoping it was going to be huge,”; said Terry Farrar, who surfed at Diamond Head yesterday. “;It was 1 to 3 feet maybe.”;

“;I look at (surf reports) every day, but you gotta look at it with your own eyes. It never is what they say it is,”; said Farrar, of Makiki.

Scott Ige, who body-boards at Cliffs at Diamond Head every day, said the waves weren't that bad. “;(The waves) haven't really come in yet, but it should get better,”; he said.

According to the National Weather Service, the south swell should start declining over the weekend. The weather service said that a storm system southeast of New Zealand last week generated the recent swells on the South Shore.

Lifeguards at Waikiki Beach were still busy helping people who were not used to the higher-than-usual waves. According to Bryan Cheplic, Emergency Services Department public information officer, lifeguards performed three rescues and one assist, and warned 200 people about the hazardous conditions.

“;With the high surf and large crowds anticipated over the holiday weekend, lifeguards are asking for the public's cooperation,”; Cheplic said.

;[Preview]    Oahu's South Shore in for a Busy Weekend
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A south shore swell combined with Ala Moana Beach Park's annual fireworks show has ocean safety officials warning beach goers to be aware of potential dangers.

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The high-surf advisory continues until this afternoon.