Big Wednesday

More than 100 people gathered at the Wedge in Corona del Mar Wednesday when a late season storm that began in the Southern Hemisphere prompted large waves to hit the area, attracting surfers and spectators alike.

The swell worked back and forth, with peaks averaging 6 to 8 feet and pitching as high as 12 feet, according to Newport Beach lifeguards.

More than 30 surfers battled the consistent waves as a crowd of spectators grew.

“I focus on the wave and getting out of it,” said Newport resident Tommy Milano, 23. “[You] got to have a lot of adrenaline.”

The enormous swells raised safety concerns, including flooding and rip currents. The afternoon low tide made the surf even more dangerous, as waves threatened to throw surfers and bodyboarders directly onto the shore.

“The ocean lulls, and then a giant wave comes and hits and if you don’t know the tide, you can dive in and break your neck,” said 16-year-old Newport Beach resident Taylor Patton.

Josh Van Egmond, a lifeguard captain with the Newport Beach Fire Department, described the surf as “not unusual” but not normal. There had been no reported injuries, but Egmond felt that was expected because the Wedge and this type of surf attracts experts.

Egmond offered some basic advice for bodyboarders: Don’t go out unless you are comfortable in large surf; always have two fins at the Wedge; and those attempting to ride the waves should protect their spinal cord at all times by keeping their hands out in front to brace a fall.

Surfers should not go out unless they are strong swimmers, Milano said. Also, it is common courtesy to beware of other riders, avoid collisions and yield to others when appropriate. Use a surfboard leash to avoid losing a board.

The forecast calls for shoulder- to head-high surf today with fair conditions, according to Surfline.com. The surf will settle down going into the weekend.

DANIEL TEDFORD can be reached at (714) 966-4632 or by e-mail at daniel.tedford@latimes.com.