High surf hitting Capitola businesses

A High Surf Warning was still in effect along the Central Coast Thursday night, and in Capitola, that meant no beach time for travelers and residents.

“The weather last couple days has been wet and wild,” said Cam Sobalvarro, a Soquel resident who was visiting Capitola Thursday night. “Our house was so loud last night.”

“Now because of the storms and the consistent rain that we’ve had, the beach is definitely wiped out for the winter,” said Kenny Perkin, a server at Zelda’s on the Beach restaurant in Capitola.

Zelda’s is right next to the ocean, and while it is a great view, a high tide and surf can be a problem.

“There’s always the potential that’s going to happen, the possibility of having flooding in the restaurant,” said Perkin. “We do have some storm shutters in case there’s any threat of the water coming up higher.”

The waves have gotten so high here that the restaurant has had to close their outdoor seating area for the time being.

People generally stay away from the beach during high surf. But surprisingly, Perkins says they still get good business.

“We have potential customers that come in because they’re going to come up here on the deck and over in this area to look at the surf,” he said.

“The surf is crazy and it’s not even high tide yet. It’s so big for Capitola here where it’s usually so calm,” said Sobalvarro.

During a high surf warning, there are large breaking waves topping over large rocks and jetties, meaning it is important to keep your distance.

“And you would not want to take a chance in going out in that right now,” said Sobalvarro.

The High Surf Warning remains in effect until 5 p.m. Friday.