SW Again, But....

Today, the winds blew strong out of the SW all over the islands in the 25+ mph range. Sunny skies, warm air and water made for a perfect windsurfing weekend in late September. The only drawback today was the lack of waves. All over the islands, the swell we enjoyed from H. Helene disappeared, and we were left with strong winds and no waves. Ego Beach in Avon reported sloppy conditions with lots of cross chop and small surf. At the Boiler, the lines were clean, but the surf was about knee to waist high. We ended up sailing a spot about a 1/2 mile south of the Salvo Ramp (23). Conditions were waist to chest high, but sloppy. Crew members compared conditions to a windy day at the Hatchery in the Gorge, due to the localized wind swell. Bump & jumper's delight! For wavesailing, I had a couple of decent lip hits, but the rest of the crew reported less favorable wavesailing results.

For those on the sound side, they must have had a great time as the winds were strong. Canadian Hole, Hatteras Island Sail Shop sailing site, Jockey's Ridge, etc...must have all been good for slalom bump and jump.

Perhaps, for us wave crew; we should have gone to Ocracoke from the start. SW is side-shore there. The island reported the windiest, most consistent winds of the day according to IWS. Perhaps, there may have been some bigger waves there too?!

Here are a few shots:

The launch site at Salvo Ramp. We sailed in a bowl section in between two sandbars. It was probably the best spot to be found...unless perhaps Ocracoke.


The drive back north across Oregon Inlet bridge. Storm clouds forming to the west, as the sun begins to set on the OBX.