A wave face is transformed into a kelp mural as a kneeboarder makes the most of the swell off of Lighthouse Point on Wednesday. Shmuel Thaler/Sentinel
The largest swell of the season pours into Steamer Lane with head high to double overhead waves on Wednesday. While the wave size will decrease today and Friday the surf forecast calls for the west northwest swell to increase over the weekend bringing exceptional conditions to local breaks. (Shmuel Thaler/Sentinel)
A surfer shoots out of a wave at Steamer Lane as the swell much anticipated by locals arrived on Wednesday. (Shmuel Thaler/Sentinel)
Surfers brave the mid-30 degree temperatures Wednesday morning to grab some crisp, clean waves held up by an off-shore breeze blowing icey spray off the lip as waves roll into Middle Peak and Indicators surf breaks. (Dan Coyro/Sentinel)
The pot of gold seems to be at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz as a rainbow colors the sky as a winter swell arrives on December 9. (Shmuel Thaler/Sentinel)
Despite the overcast sky, surfers and body boarders enjoy waves off of West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz on Monday. (Julia Moore Photos/Sentinel)
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Participants of a Redwood Canopy Tour zip line at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center in Felton on Thursday. The formerly restricted course is now open to members of the public. (Julia Moore Photos/Sentinel)
Levi, left, and Emmeline Thomsen teeter totter at the Skypark playground in Scotts Valley on Tuesday. (Julia Moore/Sentinel)
Jack, a Labradoodle owned by Susan and Howard Schwartz of Santa Cruz, basks in the Utah sun for a photo that will be featured on the spine of an upcoming AAA travel guide. (Contributed photo/Howard Schwartz)
