Lifeguard Zsolt Dallos at the severely eroded Marcoola Beach on the Sunshine Coast. PIC: Megan Slade Source: The Courier-Mail

THE state's beaches are taking a hammering.

Big tides, a powerful swell and a strong southerly sweep created by 20 to 30 knot winds ripped precious sand away at several locations over the weekend.

The popular footpath and hill climb at the Gold Coast's Nobby Beach has been shut down and there is extensive damage to ocean-front entrances.

A viewing platform near the Miami Surf Life Saving Club has also collapsed.

On the Sunshine Coast, lifeguard supervisor Anthony King said 2m-plus tides and solid waves had carved into dunes at Marcoola, Twin Waters and Peregian.

Big seas and high tides over the weekend have caused significant beach erosion at Mermaid Beach. PIC: Tim Marsden

"The beaches had been coming back, but we have lost more sand in the past few days."

Surfers revelled in the rougher conditions, flocking to the more protected points at Alexandra Headland, Moffat Beach, Point Cartwright and Noosa's outer bays.

Volunteer surf lifesavers, now enjoying their off-season, honed some of their rescue skills at Mooloolaba Spit, which hosted the Ocean Roar IRB Surf Series.

View original post here:

Beaches erode under force of nature