Surfers take advantage of Sandy's waves

HAULOVER BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Despite officials' warnings to stay out of the water, dozens of surfers decided to take advantage of the massive waves Hurricane Sandy brought to South Florida.

"The waves today are very good because the wind has shifted off shore," said surfer James Bolletieri. "That's what makes the waves' quality much easier to ride, not choppy and not very dangerous."

Despite the beach being closed, Kevin Hollander stood on the beach in awe of the waves. "I'm looking at 10-footers, 12-footers, 15-footers," he described.

Jan Kramer said he usually goes fishing, but the rough seas and strong winds made him change his mind. "We usually come out and throw our lines out and fish. We usually catch some fish, but today it looks like we're gonna get caught."

The strong winds and choppy sea prevented many boaters from going out. Instead they were forced to secure their boats at the marina. Art Serig said, "There's some canvases that have been blown off, and I've taken ours off. I was worried about it, and I'm sure some other people lost some equipment too."

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said they will be patrolling the beach occasionally, even though the beach is officially closed.

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