Surf’s up at Lake Tahoe as atmospheric river slams region

As the atmospheric river took aim at Northern California on Friday, at least one man saw opportunity and went surfing at Lake Tahoe.

As the atmospheric river took aim at Northern California on Friday, a handful of intrepid souls saw opportunity and went surfing at Lake Tahoe.

Mark Shotwell, who runs a homeless health center in Marin County, tweeted four images that show him riding chest-high waves generated by strong winds.

“Me. Lake Tahoe. Today,” Shotwell wrote.

Overnight, heavy rain deluged the region. By morning, snow had replaced the rain and began to accumulate so rapidly that motorists were advised to restrict their travel.

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As for surfing on the lake, it’s accomplished only under the right conditions and Shotwell and his pals appear to have timed their session perfectly.

Shotwell, executive director of the Ritter Center, told For The Win Outdoors: “At the height of the session, there were seven of us total. Later, towards dark, down to three.”

The water and air temperatures, he added, “were in the very low 40s.”

–Images courtesy of Mark Shotwell