Windy SW in Hatteras but FLAT Atlantic!
Well not completely flat, at least down at Cape Point; however, overall the Atlantic has been far too tame this summer. Though, I guess its great for visitors/swimmers; not withstanding the icy cold upwelling for beaches north of Oregon Inlet, where the Atlantic has been tranquil and has rarely seen breaking surf on the outer sandbars. For the summer 2011 Hatteras surf scene, its been too quiet with not much bigger than waist high found throughout the islands. Surfline consistently reports "Poor/Extremely Poor" near daily, and OBX Surf Info has a similar story covering the northern OBX beaches. Even our recent tropical storm Brett, did nothing for incoming swell/surf. All in all, for those looking for waves, they have not been found on the OBX...., yet?!In the wind department however, SW has been on fire! Classic Bermuda High conditions, and with the recent record heat wave, the magic spot between north Avon and Salvo as been cranking with sub 5.0m wind velocities! Afternoon daily wind speed averages mid to upper 20 mph with consistent gusts into the 30s! Great conditions for the small B&J kits soundside and ocenside!
I had a number of fun sessions over the past weekend ranging from Cape Point in Buxton to Ramp 23, Salvo. Caught some fun small waves on the SeaLion, and looped like a madman on the new 2011 Quatro Twin 92! All well worth it for summer time Atlantic side windsurfing, but if only we had that little extra ingredient of moderately sized outer bar surf!?! Oh well, I guess the surf can only get better as we march onward towards Fall.
Bambuser Report from Cape Point (7/22/2011):
Photos from the Flats, aka Hatteras Atlantic this summer...
(Thx Luc Belanger for the photo submissions, shot at Rmp 34, late June)
4 Comments:
You mention the area between Avon and Salvo. Does the afternoon wind pick up anywhere else? Does it miss Duck or is it coming from the wrong direction? Just curious.
It can pick up elsewhere on the OBX; however, the corridor between Salvo and north Avon always enjoys the strongest SW action especially during our summer Bermuda Highs. I am not sure of the reason, but likely guess is the vastness of Pamilico Sound in that area and typical weather patterns which see afternoon storms frequent areas north of Oregon Inlet while southern locations remain dry during the late afternoon/early evening hours.
Duck falls in the corridor where often the late afternoon/early evening storms track. I recommend for Duck windsurfers, best to designate a day to "go south" to catch the action perhaps at Hatteras Island Sail Shop, Salvo Day Use area, or of course one of the ocean access ramps. Though, if you are driving south and see whitecaps at Windmill Point, the Town of Nags Head has a nice use area there too! The parking/building is located next to Millers Restaurant on the sound side waterfront. Also next to Kitty Hawk Watersports.
PS: Right now (5:53pm), its blowing mid-20s in the Avon/Salvo corridor!!
Good report Bill. Hopefully Ralph and I will catch you and Keith next trip. Looking forward to my first Wave Jam.
I'll take you up on that recommendation. I have to assume that with the lower expected temps next week (when I'll be down) that the wind speeds will come down because there isn't as much temp differential between sound and sea. I really enjoy your blog, been following it for years.
Are there any good write ups on the access points that you mention? I assume that you are meaning from 2pm on.
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