Surfer hurt as waves get bigger

Advertiser Staff

A high surf advisory issued yesterday by the National Weather Service's will remain in effect today, although the surf along the north and west shores is expected to diminish.

Lead forecaster Bob Farrell said the wave faces today are expected to be "above or near advisory level," which is 15 feet for north shores, 12 feet for west shores and 8 feet on the Big Island. He said wave heights peaked last night.

Yesterday, one surfer was injured and beaches were closed as surf on north- and west-facing beaches grew from 10 feet to 25 feet.

The unidentified surfer was injured at a break off Waialua. Other surfers kept him afloat outside the break, a half-mile offshore, while lifeguards and firefighters went to his rescue.

The surfer was brought to shore about 10:15 a.m. on Crozier Drive and taken to Wahiawa General Hospital with serious head injuries.

Meanwhile, Kaua'i officials closed Ha'ena and Ke'e beaches to swimming and snorkeling after surf reached 20 to 25 feet.