20030103OregonCoastStormGotMe.flac

This was recorded on a gravel beach on the coast of Oregon, the morning after a good storm. The rain had stopped, the wind was dying down, but the surf was still quite high and rough. I recorded this with a digital camcorder, which I was holding in my hands. I am standing next to a small stream which is periodically engulfed by the waves, leaving a layer of sea foam which hisses as millions of foam bubbles burst. When the waves allow, I hold the camera close to the surface of the stream, then quickly step (or sprint) up the beach as the waves overtake the stream flow. At about 2:20, a "sneaker" wave approaches, which I see is going to completely engulf the beach. I make a mad dash for the bank above the beach, but the wave follows me up the bank, soaking me well above my knees and giving me a good scare. The recording goes quiet for a moment as the entire beach is covered with water. Then the wave retreats and you hear the long roar of the water pulling the beach gravel out. See my comment below for a link to the video that this audio was taken from. I wish I had better equipment to make these recordings! Perhaps I will someday.