After a gargantuan effort, the Santa Cruz Harbor is making great strides on repairs of damage caused by the unprecedented swells that funneled into the Harbor on Dec. 23. The waves hit just about the same time as 100 feet of the Santa Cruz Wharf was being ripped off the end of the pier. A review of surf statistics from that day indicate waves were in the 25 to 50-foot height range that afternoon, with a long period of 20-26 seconds. A ridden wave at Maverick’s in Half Moon Bay that day is being estimated as having a 108-foot face. Possibly the largest wave ever surfed. For Santa Cruz, it was a catastrophically large swell event.

Most critical for the Harbor was the swell direction. Historically, most big wave events during winter hit the coast from a northwest angle. The storm that generated this huge swell pushed from a more westerly direction. That angle allowed a series of powerful swells to funnel into the harbor, compressing at the Murray Street Bridge choke point, and smashing their way into the north harbor. Most docks were damaged and many destroyed, along with the boats tied to the docks. Longtime boaters and anglers from Santa Cruz agree that the frequency and number of big swells per year is increasing, especially over the past five years.

Harbormaster Blake Anderson and his team were scrambling that Monday afternoon trying to protect as many boats and people as possible.

“We’re so lucky no one was killed that day,” Anderson said.

Harbor staff, boat owners and good samaritans desperately tried to reinforce tie-offs and bumpers, but found themselves in imminent danger as the waves hit, boats overturned and the piers buckled beneath their feet.

“This was almost as bad as the tsunami in 2011. The amount of damage is very close,” Anderson said.

Anderson believes this storm/swell pattern is “the new norm,” and we can expect a repeat and likely an increase in similar huge wave events coming from the westerly angle.

Reconstruction of the harbor is the next step. Repair costs have already reached the $2 million mark, while reconstruction costs are likely to be in the $20-25 million area. Harbor staff are grateful for the contractors who are currently repairing the docks and slips. Most docks have been repaired and reinforced, and rebuilt slips are becoming available daily. Anyone who took their boat out of the water or repositioned their boat within the harbor will have first right of refusal to reclaim their former slips once completed.

Anderson reports they are “re-homing” boats into their former berths as the slips become physically boat ready, with power and water hookups.

We were reminded the Harbor is self-funded. No tax dollars go to operations and upkeep. So, they are doing the best they can with what they got. A quick walk around the harbor would indicate they are doing pretty well so far. But major reconstruction is still needed. Docks need to be rebuilt with materials and in a manner that can withstand better when next big wave event occurs. Anderson and others are exploring a number of strategies that could mitigate that wave energy entering the harbor and minimize the damage it can cause. On a very positive note, the State of California recently approved a disaster declaration for our county that could provide up to $25 million for these reconstruction efforts.

Allen Bushnell also operates Santa Cruz Surf and Kayak Fishing Guide Service. Please send any reports, pictures or questions to scruzfishing@yahoo.com