Severe weather is not a good way to start the holiday weekend, and in Brevard County, the storms meant smaller crowds for the first day of one of the most popular surfing events in the area.
Lightning and downpours took place Saturday morning, but surfers are still paddling out in the 50th-annual Easter Surf Fest.
Surfers from across the country competed Friday in the first day of the three-day event. And there was some serious surf.
Surfers likened the conditions to a washing machine.
Lifeguards were flying the red flags due to strong rip currents and rough conditions, but surfers said they don't mind the rough weather.
"It's kind of different than any other sport because it's something actually moving under your feet -- it's like different, unlike basketball and football where they throw a football at you," said Caelan Burford, a surfer from Rockledge. "This is throwing Mother Nature at you."
Crowds were sparse to start the event on Friday.
Organizers said it's a family friendly surfing event, and so they’re hoping more families will show up Saturday.
Conditions are expected to improve throughout the weekend.