Rescuers have been called to Gray Whale Cove three times in last four weeks

Gray Whale Cove is beautiful spot with bigger waves than other Coastside spots, but it’s a treacherous place to surf.  Amelia Hansen from the County Times went to the beach with a surfer.  Within minutes, a strong current pushed him to the south end of the beach, where a surfer had become stranded last week. Rescuing that surfer and friends who tried to rescue him required a Coast Guard helicopter.

"Montara and Gray Whale Cove are both very dangerous because they are exposed to swells from all directions," said California State Parks Lifeguard Eric Abma, who participated in the rescue Sunday. "Gray Whale Cove is surrounded by rocks, the beaches are steep and the sand on the bottom is usually uneven."

Rescue agencies have received three calls from distressed surfers at Gray Whale Cove in the last four weeks, Abma said.