Black Friday Wave Sesh!

While many were out shopping following the Thanksgiving holiday, the OBX was blanketed with strong SW winds on Friday, Nov 26. Air temps rocketed into the low 70s and sunny skies prevailed until the weather rolled though around mid afternoon. Friday's session was a short but sweet Atlantic romp. Ken Kellar, visiting from MD, and I caught it at Ramp 23 near Salvo. Waves ranged waist to chest in the side to offshore conditions. We began on windsurfing SUPs, and I had the SeaLion out for a few fun wave rides before the weather rolled in. Actually, the "weather" was more of a dry frontal boundary. It looked quite ominous from the water as a dark line of clouds; however with no rain present or lightening, we remained out while it passed. The only effect was a wind shift from SW to WNW and a brief increase into the mid 20 mph range.

The offshore shift prompted me to grab the Tempo 92, and I caught a few fun runs in juiced straight offshore wavesailing. Basically, screaming down the beach running parallel to the clean surf lines looking for a steep section to hit an "out the back" wave aerial. I had a few, and Ken caught some on camera, but with his point and shoot, they all were blurry. Though, here are a few sharp ones shot while I was out sailing straight offshore wind. (Note, I do not recommend attempting this unless you are an experienced ocean sailor, and are comfortable in the ocean. Straight offshore conditions can get hairy, especially if you have equipment failure or have trouble remaining "upwind.")

photo credit: Ken Kellar (click any image to open gallery)

Oh yea, and if you are looking for a unique holiday gift this year, order a Hatteras Wave Jam 2010 event T-Shirt! Makes an excellent stocking stuffer, and helps support the 2011 Jam!