2009-08-23

Hurricane Bill Wave Report, OBX - Its a Wrap!

The swell from Hurricane Bill came and left offering some of the best summertime OBX surf in recent memory! What began Thursday with initial swell beginning to show on the southern beaches and key sand bar breaks in Rodanthe/Waves, lasted though today and likely into the early part of this coming week. Friday afternoon experienced some of the best surf conditions from the storm swell, especially along the bar line at Coquina Beach in south Nags Head. For me, that was the key day as I was on the water light air wavesailing from 2:30pm though 6:00pm with so many fun waves caught. Weather conditions were perfect, and it was simply the best of the best for OBX summer tropical surf.

Saturday, we experienced the brunt of the storm swell with huge outside surf and a brutal inside bar break. Simply getting out past that inner bar was the real challenge on Saturday. Winds did ramp up late in the day ahead of a front of nasty weather, though I do not think anyone attempted to wavesail it in Avon. Though, there was action caught at the Canadian Hole in the sound!

Sunday, the surf calmed and with clearing afternoon skies, again picture perfect surfing waves in Nags Head and Coquina.

I believe the real sweet spot, for catching the best which Hurricane Bill offered, was at Coquina Beach in south Nags Head. The setup simply was perfect there both Friday and late in the day Sunday. I guess the surfing community found the spot throughout the weekend as the northern lot was packed with riders hitting the surf on Sunday as compared to a relatively small crew out on Friday.

All in all, an awesome surfing experience for all disciplines including wavesailing, kite surfing, and traditional surfing. Note, also some tow-in on Saturday!

Here are some photos in relative chronological order: