Topics

Fourth of July Weekend Swell Slams Both US Coasts

This past weekend, both US coasts had more reason to celebrate than usual.

incitti3

Picture 12 of 16

I stuck around Northern NJ with Tom Petriken at our home break. It was smaller up here but still some overhead waves on sets. The window for surf everywhere was so short. It went from flat to overhead to flat in a matter of two hours before dark. Unless you had a helicopter or a jet ski to beat the 4th of July traffic on the road, your best bet was to chill at your home break with your friends and wish for the best. Photo: Mike Incitti

If you’re a patriotic American, Independence Day weekend is an undeniably fun time. Generally, it’s an excellent excuse to stuff yourself into a pair of boardshorts or bikini, have a few (ish) beverages, watch (or light off) fireworks, chant “USA! USA! USA!” with your obscenely patriotic brethren, and spend some quality time with friends and/or family. There’s nothing dull about it.

This past weekend, both US coasts had more reason to celebrate than usual. On the east coast, Hurricane Arthur worked its way up and delivered some much-appreciated (read: much-needed) swell. The west coast, Southern California in particular, saw fun surf as well (also much-needed) from Ventura County through San Diego. There hasn’t been a better weekend to be outside in quite some time.

Thanks to our lovely group of photo contributors, we have some of the highlights from a great run of weekend swell. Hope you got some yourself! Happy (belated) independence, America!