The big waves caused by the mar de fondo, or groundswell, phenomenon attracted over 100 surfers to Zicatela Beach this past weekend.
The most recent groundswell warning for the beaches of Puerto Escondido was issued late last week by the navy, alerting beachgoers of waves that could reach between seven and 10 meters high.
The Puerto Escondido Lifeguard Corps said Sunday the waves were not quite as big as expected, but they were impressive enough to draw large crowd to watch surfers ride the big waves.
Surfer Marcial Monreal told NMás that the local surfing community had been waiting for a strong swell for weeks. She also acknowledged that only professionals can enter the water due to the danger posed to all but the most experienced surfers.
The alert warns the public to avoid entering the water due to the big swell and strong currents.
However, professional surfers living or visiting Puerto have been drawn by the daunting waves while the lifeguards corps prepared a special operation to look after the surfers in case of an accident.
Chief lifeguard Godofredo Vásquez pointed out that they have a jet ski to provide security for surfers, who practice an extreme sport where they can never be certain about what might happen.
The mar de fondo event and the government’s warning extended over the weekend for Puerto Escondido and along the Mexican Pacific coast, reaching the neighboring states of Chiapas and Guerrero.
Big waves are expected for the next day or two.
With reports by NMás
