At low tide, starfish, mussels and other intertidal creatures are visible at the base of rocks in areas that are covered by water in higher tide. The most extreme low tides occur during winter months, Connors said. Killer waves are capable of sudden swells that can swallow an unsuspecting beachwalker into a treacherous current. Some beaches are so dangerous that warning signs are posted. Risks are compounded in the winter with stronger currents and high velocity surf.
Lifeguards often spend from sunup to sundown issuing warnings.
The raw conditions on the coast are much more dangerous in the winter. The most dramatic spots for watching the waves smack the rocks are also the most risky. The rule for walking on those beaches like Goat Rock and Wrights is to stay off the rocks and don't even get near the sand that's wet, said Grady, who has saved many people from drowning but watched others die because rescuers could not get to them before they were pulled out to sea. Beach walkers should stay on high dry sand. Riding the winter surf Wetsuits are part of the de rigueur surfing apparel year round on the North Coast, so cold isn't a factor for North coast surfers who know that winter brings the best wave curl.