As the streets of Southern California filled with floodwaters, making it near impossible for cars to get through, some Ventura residents got creative—while others are just out having fun.
One surfer hit the water, creating his own waves as his friends pulled him behind their truck. Another opportunistic water lover paddled down a residential street in a kayak with his younger brother, footage from CBS Los Angeles showed.
All of the young men were clad in their wetsuits for cold water safety and warmth.
The innovative surfer holds a rope tied to the back of a Toyota Tacoma, holding steady as the truck kicks up waves for him to ride on his board. While it may have been a little risky with cars on either side of Channel Drive and Arbor Avenue, they made it through without any issues.
Then, two brothers hopped into a kayak, clad in their wetsuits, to spend a little quality time together along the roads. The eldest brother told KCAL News reporter Lesley Marin, "It's like this [flooded] on most major rain storms." He added that it's not always at the current level. Despite the flooding making traveling through the area difficult, the eldest brother did say that it can be "fun sometimes." Fun is definitely what those two brothers had while kayaking through the streets.
While this may seem like a positive spin on all the flooding and chaos, authorities emphasize that these activities are not recommended, especially on busy roadways where injury can easily happen. Also, driving cars through high flood waters can cause engine damage.
Kayaks and paddle boards are often seen during times of extreme flooding. Last year a man kayaked down the flooded streets in Santa Barbara, and in past years, we've even seen kayaks come out along Sacramento streets. California may be taking a beating from these atmospheric rivers and hurricane force winds, but residents are not known for letting it get their spirits down.
READ MORE: How to Break Into Cold-Weather Kayaking and Canoeing
