Learned from Hatteras Wave Jam and the 2008 Fests!

I had a recent conversation with Ken K noting the spread of Atlantic side wavesailing stoke since the birth of the Hatteras Windsurfing Festival Series in 2008 and the Fests/Jams over the past two years. Ken has been an active participant in every event, and he noted how his ocean side skills have vastly improved since participating. Its awesome to hear and see sailors, especially on the US East Coast, challenge the Atlantic and graduate from the calm of the sound, lake, or bay side to the "3-D" experience found in the ocean. George M's recent post on Live2Sail highlights the spread and contagious nature of the ocean-side stoke/skills he acquired in Hatteras to local sailors in his area who had their first experience in the Atlantic courtesy of their local wave ambassador, George!

The Wave Jam Summer Edition held in mid-July additionally hosted two new Atlantic side sailors, and it was great to see them out in the ocean for the first time viewing of the beach from the outside. Ralph M from Triad Windsurfing and Kayaking noted, "$20 is a bargain for the experience of sailing with pros and the other stuff!...I didn't think I was ready for the ocean but George, Ken and Andy talked me into trying it Friday. Peer pressure is a mother!
I'm glad I did. It was one of my goals for 2009."
Congrats Ralph for achieving one of 2009 windsurfing goals! Glad we could help!

Special thanks also goes out to our local Hatteras Atlantic-side Ambassadors, Andy McKinney, Keith McCulloch, Stewart Proctor, and Jim Myers along with the local supporting shops, Sailworld Hatteras, Avon Sailhouse, and OceanAir Sports! You all are awesome, and its great to have the local support to help push our visiting sailors to take their windsurfing to the next level!

As we approach the Fall Tropical Edition of the 2009 Hatteras Wave Jam, the window has been scheduled for the next event! Fingers are crossed for another successful call for wind and waves! Last year Wave Fest 2008 scored with nearly 10 days of NE action and experienced awesome fall Hatteras wavesailing conditions!

If you are interested in graduating from the sound side waters to the Atlantic, be sure to join us for the Fall Edition! Set your vacation schedule and book your off-season lodging now, tune up the gear, and get ready! I know, I am looking forward to it!!