Surfers Get Ready To Ride Hurricane Sandy's (20 Foot) Waves

South Florida beaches are characteristically void of big, west coast waves. Visitors and residents alike can be seen swimming in the calm water, and sipping mojitos on the shore for relaxation.

However, the whole crowd changes when you have a Hurricane in the neighborhood.  Today, as Hurricane Sandy passes over the Bahamas with a Northeastern trajectory, the conditions are ripening for a good surfing session, and local surfers are preparing to come out in droves. These locals are looking to catch a wave without having to make a trek to the waves themselves.

Usually the closest surf towns are Jupiter in Palm Beach County, and Melbourne in Brevard County, who are also prepping up for enhanced surfing conditions. Jupiter is projected to have up to 20 foot waves this weekend (seriously).

According to Surfline.com's South Beach surf report, the current surf conditions in Miami are 3-4 feet, with occasional five foot swells.  The surf is also "expected to continue to build into the afternoon," according to the site.

The Wunderground regional surf forecast also reminds us that rip current conditions are high, and that conditions are not to be taken lightly.  They also add that "Even those using surf or boogie boards are urged to use extreme caution.  Rip currents are life threatening to anyone entering the surf."  The surf is expected to build through the afternoon, and into the weekend.

Now, with Miami-Dade Public Schools considering closing up shop tomorrow, there could be plenty more diving into harm's way.

And their parents won't even have to sign a field trip form.

Here is what a few local surfers are saying about the prospect of good waves in the vicinity: