An increasingly ferocious and volatile surf is raising questions about the future of the state’s piers, which have defined the coastline for generations.

A man died on a Santa Cruz beach Monday after being pinned under debris washed up by a large wave, authorities said. Another man has been reported missing.

Dangerous waves brought down part of the Santa Cruz Pier on Monday and prompted multiple water rescues from the Pacific Ocean this week as waves up to 60 feet are forecast along the shores of California.