King Tides at Ocean Beach

During the last weeks of 2024, a succession of storms buffeted the San Francisco coastline. White caps danced along the shoreline as far as the eye could see. Mesmerizing patterns whirled frenetically amongst massive waves, appearing for one split second before disappearing in the next. Ocean spray hung in the air as thick as fog. Bits of sea foam were left behind, tumbling across the sandy beach.

Facing a combination of strong winds, king tides, rip currents, and sneaker waves, I kept watch well away from the water’s edge. I didn’t fancy being the cause of a rescue mission.

I opted for a vantage point along a seawall, perched up on the cliffs behind the sands of Ocean Beach. I didn’t want to be in the action; I wanted the wide, wide bird’s eye view. Distance gave me the context to fully appreciate the ocean’s power.