Ghost Tree - Dec 28, 2023

At one point, Ghost Tree on 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach was one of the premier big wave tow-in surfing spots in the world, before regulations were passed that pushed it out of the spotlight.
Fred Van Dyke is rumored to have bodysurfed Ghost Tree in the 60s. However, for decades afterward, few surfers dared to ride the wave, due to its steep drops, unmakeable speed, and proximity to the rocks.
Things changed in the early 2000s when big wave surfers realized they could bypass regulations meant for smaller watercraft by towing into waves with three-seater jet skis.
From 2005 to 2007, large west swells slammed the Central Coast, thrilling tow-in surfers with waves reaching up to 50 feet.
But it wasn't all positive. As the wave gained popularity, it became overcrowded with jet skis, and the spot remained perilous, ultimately claiming the life of local legend Peter Davi in 2007.
Following extensive debate, NOAA expanded its regulations to ban all personal watercraft, aiming to safeguard both the Monterey Marine Sanctuary and human lives.
Since then, Ghost Tree has faded into obscurity, except for the few brave souls who dare to charge the wave when conditions are right.
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[@AX1A]

I was sitting in the Channel when the local Legend, Peter Davi, paddled out for the last time. As I understand he was offered a tow and refused. Nothing but respect for such an all around old-school waterman / hellman. #RestInPreeminence Brother

[@cruetsanther6275]

thank you so much for taking us to ghost trees. there hasnt been a video of it breaking in a decade.

[@willhouston4493]

Nice job Holt, best reporting on the waves I've seen all day...by far.

[@robertforrest7956]

8:59 Most interesting Holt.. 🏄🏻 Such a beautiful and hypnotic place Ghost Trees...🌊🌊🌊 I wish you a Very Happy New Year buddy... 🍾🥂🎊🎊🎊

[@KathleenPetrusa]

Live in the Sierras now.. so good to see the waves again. Thank you Holt!

[@Luislopez1114]

Thank you Holt, as a Californian now on the East Coast, I really enjoyed your report. Thank you for the connection.

[@brovie88]

Being from SC I surfed Carmel many moons ago. The waves were small but fun, it was flat back home. There was a lot of foam and I remember a seal carcass floating near the shore. We called it "muck muck" and I'll never forget it because I slipped on the rocks and went completely under right near the carcass. What an adventure that was, the whole area is like a dream. Thanks for bringing back the memories (on steroids)!

[@janeblackbird2376]

Wow, thx for taking us out there!

[@davidlane7556]

Love the shots of ghost tree ❤ mate ✨✌️👊😁

[@hwn8088]

From Hawaiian Standards 🌊🌊 Ghost Tree Is A Frkn Heavy Metal Wave🤘 ,, ALOHA ,, when in doubt don't go out 💯🦧

[@frankviterise7333]

How right you are, brother. Much aloha and happy new year to you and your family❤

[@pikiwiki]

Fascinated that you said Fred Van Dyke was reputed to have body surfed Ghost Tree. The water temperature alone would have been something to deal with, especially with wetsuits, from that era

[@philipchesley9615]

Just jams back in the day Cheers!

[@pikiwiki]

you bet they was jammin'! Cheers!@@philipchesley9615

[@captainahab3355]

Doesn’t that sound like a good time.?

[@pikiwiki]

Bodysurfing Ghost Tree sounds so rare, especially for a guy from Hawaii, who Fred Van Dyke was. Surfed Carmel Bay. Water is cold enough to turn your fingers blue in a couple of minutes But of course, it's a total adrenaline rush for the whole time you're out there. Yahooty@@captainahab3355

[@philipchesley9615]

You mean you've never done it? Why not? Everybody else did. Try it. You'll understand doing max workout in 55-60 degree water and then hanging on the beach in 60+ degrees wrapped up and maybe chugging a 40 degree beer while moving around. You warm up real quick Then comes: "that set"...... And off you go! -------- Era? Nothing's changed man. Except technology. (whatever you can afford) But that doesn't stop anybody...never did, never will.

[@kczcb4697]

Not a surfer, but first heard about it from the book “ the wave”. During one big storm ghost trees claimed a surfers life ( probably Peter Davi) while most were at mavericks. Thanks for sharing this. Always wondered what it looked like in action

[@rvmcwhorter]

Very cool book and swell chart info , I also liked the narration for dummies like me. Thank you.

[@jogregg6442]

Wow, just wow. Thank you.

[@jcs7934]

Great reporting!

[@glassncobalt]

Was there about 5 years ago and watched 3 surfers attempt to paddle out....one of them actually made it out. The others ended up leaving.

[@stevenwillie2782]

Just no room for error there. That is a dangerous wave.

[@williamhanley7031]

Good information and clearly understandable. Without saying dude 100 times😂

[@michaelfarar4232]

We galloped into this place from Texas...Me Goober McClusky Reef Johnson...Bhodi and Kimo Ookalookapooface. We surfed some 2-4 foot curlers just like our local spot, Mashed Taters in Pt Flacid. Yahoooo...Chaka Brothel

[@rippednutrition1046]

really good video. love the style of the narration.

[@luciehanson6250]

Surfer guy!! Be careful out there! We need you!

[@robertforrest7956]

I Lucie.. 👋🏻 I hope you had a wonderful Xmas.. and wish you the very best New Year!!! 🍾🥂🎊

[@luciehanson6250]

@robertforrest7956 Happy New Year, Friend Robert! Guess we're looking forward to a calm New Year until Wednesday! A blessing! Our seasonal creeks running well. The Rivers finally got beyond its banks.

[@williaml.baptiste3597]

Ghost Tree has been well known for decades, and another is the North side strand of Point Sur facing Northerly will receive the N-NW swell dramatically. The Trench being 220 fathoms deep will well up some very cold water. This swell is extreme.

[@williamhanley7031]

Yo, another Hanley here. Surf addict , naturalist,artist all around common sense person. Roots in Ireland? We do

[@TRIKushbeachside]

Miss seeing clips of people sending it there. Easily one of the scariest waves in the world when it’s big

[@markstrickland6760]

I've been in some pretty big waves in my life, including the wedge, but nothing like that😊

[@fungibles5069]

What's up bro, I was that guy next to you filming when we got hammered with that big swell. That day was insane!

[@HoltHanley]

Epic day!

[@MrGarthHardin]

Ghosts needs a minimum of a 20 ft ground swell .. island measure .. 20 ft back but on average twice that on face. Gotta be bigger. Carmel pt left is another large swell spot and is close by. I scored it by luck one day 10-15 ft n super clean.

[@alainvosselman9960]

I saw you guys had a horrible storm surge rolling in this week. I was curious what waves it would produce...

[@williamhanley7031]

Sometimes , it's true the tide is so strong it can diminish and suck the swell out of the surf spots.

[@simontemplar1]

I can assure you that Ghost Tree is the evil brother of Mavericks

[@missinglinq]

Too bad its not surfed anymore. Ghost Tree's makes for some incredible video and picturesque surfing.

[@jimdillard2951]

Was that high tide?

[@gethnoble4316]

Sick😊😊😊

[@Lloydbolsagrande]

Soooooo heavy !!!!! Just imagine being in the line up !! So stressful, life and death for sure. No escape routes

[@msilver1991]

How did you get a digital version of that book?

[@HoltHanley]

Just took photos of the book with good lighting

[@williamhanley7031]

Now there is at least 300 guys that would surf that.

[@34thncrenshaw]

the wave at 8:50 is ghost tree, there a better vantage point also to look at it

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

Huge difference between a cold water big wave and a warm This is blue balls to the wall! 🥶

[@PatsSurfChannel]

Cool video. One looked maybe rideable? Swell too west? Tide too high? Who knows.

[@rvmcwhorter]

I think that’s where it should break . Looks crazy though.

[@EllEss331]

Good reporting. 6:57 Bad that you film while driving.

[@MrIsomer]

You needed a water angle there Holt.

[@Giggle-ing]

Pete Davi had a heart attack most likely. Protecting marine life is ridiculous considering how many outboards and boats you have in Monterey bay.

[@naturalfreehuman]

fake agendas. like the states care about anything!! cheers.

Hold my beer...

[@frankviterise7333]

Mr Hanley. , are you a surfer?, or are you just reporting the Surf conditions? Just wondering? Anyway, thank you for sharing this with us. Happy new year to you and your family❤

[@luciehanson6250]

Frank, he is, but these days, a local meteorologist news anchor and a wonderful Ytube creator. His observation gives it away. This kid loves to surf!

[@lilithstribe]

It's a sensitive marine sanctuary that's why.

[@williamhanley7031]

Way to hight tide when you checked it

[@SteveBroeffle-xo7qn]

Who’s that dude ? And what was that about ?

[@cjgamer2140]

Some random showing closeouts on the rocks.

[@williamhanley7031]

Enter your own risk. If they want to do it. Let them. Hey skies only when waves are 40 feet. That's what ide do.

[@raymondperez2972]

That’s all Bull! Baning jet skis! All political.

[@sigalfamily4771]

PWCs and Maine sanctuary = no bueno

[@markstrickland6760]

Big wave riders have the biggest balls ever.

[@TheGratty]

Lame, dude shows more footage of his mug than the wave.

[@j3f423]

🫡

[@flintmcmanly]

Bodee would go...

[@CHAPELSKILLS]

Bodhi did go...He surfed the place for 20 years before anyone heard of it....by himself. !

[@flintmcmanly]

@@CHAPELSKILLS Dang, like a bank robbing Jeff Clark. What a free spirit.

[@homelight9321]

PWC should be banned everywhere!

[@xwhite2020]

Sure dude. Ban cars and trains and planes too. Computers too, while we're at it ban surfboards.

[@seancallahan1312]

For people who maybe haven't heard or didn't notice: See how the big waves outside and to the south especially (Actual peak 8:51) look like they're in slow motion? They're not. That's just how long it takes water to fall 4 stories or more. Look when the camera scans inside at the water splashing around in the rocks. Normal speed, just giant waves. That's how we used to judge relative size on distant peaks. When it's moving in slow-motion or the white water left on the face from the wave before is tiger-striping? Better have a gun board. Little 6' 8" is not gonna cut it.

[@edwinatollstoy4837]

Occasionally still surfed, there is a paddle in video somewhere on KZbin post jet ski ban with like two guys out, though pre ban a Santa Cruz legend paddled out and died on a big day when most everyone else was on the jet skis.