tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-314164112024-03-19T04:53:00.689-05:00Bill's OBX Beach LifeThis is a diary of living on the Outer Banks for a 40-something year old ocean sports enthusiast who works from home as a software engineer and windsurfs, surfs, and enjoys the beauty of these islands when "off the clock!"Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.comBlogger674125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-66326904254032922018-08-27T10:59:00.004-05:002018-08-27T10:59:50.865-05:00Fun Aerial Pics from POV of the UltraLight!My buddy Marc and his wife Cassy were up flying over the ocean on Sunday in their ultralight and caught some cool POV pics of me on the Sealion off Blackman St in Nags Head!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: Marc Jorrens</span></div>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-40933385376704602542018-07-27T10:03:00.001-05:002018-07-27T10:35:59.127-05:00Surfline Abalone Street Cam and a Little Hit on the SealionYesterday, decided to try out some exposure on the <a href="https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/abalone-st-/584204214e65fad6a7709ce8" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Abalone Surfline Cam</span></a> by rigging up the Sealion for a few waves on the remaining surf from this week's monsoon weather. Here is a short clip of a <span style="font-size: large;">Surfline Rewind</span> which features a little hit/float in conditions yesterday. Nothing extraordinary, but fun test of some Surfline exposure in the surf on the Sealion. Now if we find a day with some more sizable action, could be interesting?!<br />
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-27547608047385117712018-07-12T09:26:00.001-05:002018-07-17T16:31:43.298-05:00Weekend NE and Surf on the SouthsideThis past weekend saw a nice swell hit the southside from Frisco, westward. Billy Mitchell, Izzy's (now named "Sandy Bay?") were the focused spots. Hatteras Inlet was scoped, but there were no outside bars found throughout the spit. Thus, Rmp 49, Frisco Bathouse, and Izzy's had the best lineup.<br />
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Below is a shot from Saturday at Rmp 49 captured on my wife's IPhone. Kudos to her, her sister, and our little dudes for weathering the stinging sand while I was out catching a few waves. With 25+mph gusts on the beach, not the most pleasant conditions for enjoying time on the sand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3UvXhs5nrEToyUxMeV2xpEi80nnMJTc_qaGvS7EhToRGSsVTQzDU7Oq2ZOWye1-xu8Rqj2t2EC_6h_-BxnBCkHBfwSPN8tJo2AbQ2KQUagI8q_G1xvcdWy_vLee3slLlB5drwQ/s1600/36736136_10155281360841076_2832702266547372032_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20180712]" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1420" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3UvXhs5nrEToyUxMeV2xpEi80nnMJTc_qaGvS7EhToRGSsVTQzDU7Oq2ZOWye1-xu8Rqj2t2EC_6h_-BxnBCkHBfwSPN8tJo2AbQ2KQUagI8q_G1xvcdWy_vLee3slLlB5drwQ/s320/36736136_10155281360841076_2832702266547372032_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10px">photo: <a href="https://studionassetta.com/" target="_blank">Studio Nassetta</a></div></div>
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Here is interesting shot from the very end of Hatteras Inlet spit where basically the sand road "ends."
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<br />Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-48781899833314146482018-06-29T08:35:00.000-05:002018-06-29T08:37:04.206-05:00Nice Swell at Coquina Beach Yesterday!We saw it coming from last week. A swell forecast to kick in Thursday accompanied with moderate to strong SSW wind. This combo sets up a very clean wave at Coquina Beach for excellent wavesailing conditions! Yesterday, the forecast rung true and I was there to catch it.<br />
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I cut out of work a few hours early to make the session and when I rolled into Coquina and eyed the break from the dune line, well this was the playground I saw.<br />
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A fun, easy lineup with long rights and solid peaks! I was rigged quickly on the 92 Quatro Twin and Mutant 5.1. The first wave I had was quite nice with a hit at the peak and floater aerial to open the session. From there, it was wave after wave, and though the wind was fairly light, it was manageable, though I was into the conveyor belt of beach walks to stay in the area of the break as it was difficult to stay upwind. No worries though, simply ride a few, come into the beach, walk upwind and relaunch. As seen in the photo, the shorebreak at this section of beach was minimal and it was quite easy to get out. Water was perfect with clean, warm, trunks only conditions and hanging out in the zone to await a passing set, if I was down, was actually quite enjoyable.<br />
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All in all an awesome Thursday afternoon/early evening session on the standard kit! Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-71149038600516543832018-05-21T07:27:00.001-05:002018-05-21T10:57:52.756-05:00Two Days at Coquina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past weekend saw a <span style="font-size: large;">double header at Coquina Beach south of Nags Head</span>. Strong S/SSW wind on tap provided fun wavesailing conditions complemented by a little swell in town. <span style="font-size: large;">Surf Saturday ranged waist to head, while Sunday was smaller in the waist to chest average.</span> The tide lined up well with afternoon sessions each day providing waves on the mid/outer sandbar.<br />
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I was solo both days, but there were plenty of weekend beachgoers to watch the show. Always enjoy when I come in after the session, and folks note how "awesome" the action was, how they never saw anything like it, and "...how much does that "kiteboard" cost?." :)<br />
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All in all, a fun two days, perfect for my "green" condition, given I have not been wavesailing at the frequency of past years! Though two more entries for the May calendar..., hopefully the next session will not be too far off...just need another swell complemented with the S/SSW wind?! Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-30206222157199194902018-05-17T07:21:00.003-05:002018-05-17T07:22:52.513-05:00Check Out the Right Sidebar Links!Yesterday, as a return visit to the blog, I did some gardening of links and other info to clean up and also add a few new additions. Key is that I myself, when first started the blog, wanted one web site I could visit to get the latest/current info on OBX surf and wind conditions including live video.<br />
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The right sidebar found here has two key sections for that info:<br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Weather Links</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">OBX Web Cams</span></li>
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These two sections are where I visit every morning to gauge the day and upcoming forecast for the likelihood of trying for an extended lunch break or cash in of some "honey chips" (married visitors know what I am talking about). Also,<span style="font-size: large;"> on the left side, the Jeannette's Pier live wind</span> widget is key for that quick look at what it is blowing now in Nags Head (only free IWindsurf wind gauge on OBX for all to see). </div>
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In the live web cam section, the<span style="font-size: large;"> Surfline Abalone St cam is excellent for a view of what conditions are like in Nags Head near the new Bonnet St</span> bath house, and the <span style="font-size: large;">Avon HD cam is my favorite for a look at Askins Creek</span> on south side of Avon. Looks like a nice surf break there too this year!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, for a trip down memory lane, check out the Blog Posts Calendar!</span> Posts as far back as 2006 tell a story of this little period of OBX windsurfing history spanning 10+ years! Note, some of the photo and video content may be missing due to changes in hosts over the years, but much also remains intact.</div>
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Well, back to the office... at least until the late morning revisit to check conditions from links found here! </div>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-78823182383881103252018-05-16T09:58:00.004-05:002018-05-16T10:07:01.912-05:00Been a Long Time....!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34iXftxrm_IhIMDqm9dL0zALD32iyNEfrzABZUosUCME7g9Fl2GCxVfk-lBfgNXnVHD65Yln-pXItr3_7BZaLpRgGyRgZlOeByAZr21unGLeOzfavji6M6Kxm_TeuBbjP43G5EQ/s1600/IMG_20160717_180547815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" rel="lightbox[20180516]"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34iXftxrm_IhIMDqm9dL0zALD32iyNEfrzABZUosUCME7g9Fl2GCxVfk-lBfgNXnVHD65Yln-pXItr3_7BZaLpRgGyRgZlOeByAZr21unGLeOzfavji6M6Kxm_TeuBbjP43G5EQ/s320/IMG_20160717_180547815.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, its been quite a long time since my last post. Family life has impacted my free windsurfing time considerably, and those "old" days of dropping all to make the run to Avon have been gone for a while. Fortunately though, with SeaLion Wings and a foil, I have been able to enjoy quite a few fun sessions in town (Nags Head) during the warm water days of summer when the ocean is flat. Of course, when there is surf, the Wings shines too with plenty of wave action in town! <br />
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I caught a fun Ego Beach sesh back in Feb where it was 3/2 fullsuit but no cap/booties (warm SW wind and surprisingly warm water)! Recently, have been able to hit JRidge for a few 4.6m and down sessions this Spring! Fun times to hop over for a quick sesh during the "extended" lunch break, or prior to the evening little league baseball practices/games.<br />
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Hopeful for some future runs to Avon or rather the ramps between Salvo and Avon for a few afternoon sessions. Not sure what the breaks are like down there, but will try to make a recon run soon.<br />
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Also, if you have noted, I added a live YouTube video feed in the upper left of the blog. This replaces the old Bambuser version, as Bambuser has retired from live video streaming. The YouTube option works quite well though, just need to get out for some upcoming reports!<br />
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All in all, stay tuned!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-2461452039378811522016-08-15T07:38:00.001-05:002016-08-15T07:39:05.902-05:00Summer Mast Top Ride at the HoleKeith M put up this video featuring some mast-top view summer action at the Canadian Hole (Haulover Beach)! Nice!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cjun3yeYCU4?rel=0" width="400"></iframe>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-59339883353698936862016-07-04T11:20:00.000-05:002016-07-04T11:20:35.811-05:00Top Short List OBX Surf Breaks Summer 2016<span style="font-size: large;">Happy 4th July!</span><br />
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The OBX summer months are prime for fun surf and friendly conditions for all age/skill ranges. As the shoreline is all sand, our best breaks vary year to year, and when the ocean is quite active, even week to week. Though during the summer months, the surf is usually tame and consistent with established sandbars found across the islands providing the best spots for a little wave break outside and incoming whitewater lines. This year's standout, at least in town, is a range of bars north of the Nags Head Fishing Pier. <span style="font-size: large;">A key real-time view of the break is on<a href="http://www.surfline.com/surf-report/abalone-st-virginia---outer-banks_133159/" target="_blank"> Surfline's Abalone Street surf cam</a>.</span> The cam looks south to the Nags Head pier, and <span style="font-size: large;">even an untrained eye can spot the area where the best surf is breaking</span>. I am sure there are other hot spots on the OBX this summer, but this area which is covered by the surf cam is quite a nice area for breaking surf when all other areas are too deep/flat for a ride. Bonus too is the area is covered by real time cam for checking anytime during the day!<br />
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If you know of any other good spots this year on the OBX, post on the comments. I am curious if there are any good sandbars at the ramps between Waves and Avon?!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-52617595548035995932016-06-21T08:16:00.002-05:002016-06-22T10:22:31.384-05:00FUN Times on the Sealion Wings!<span style="font-size: large;">A new AHD addition for 2016 is the introduction of the <a href="http://www.ahd-boards.com/models/sealion-wings-2/" target="_blank">Sealion Wings</a>.</span> The Wings is a similar shape to the Pro model though with a further thinned rail line, reworked tail bottom and a bit more nose scoop. Though a key element of the Wings is the foil insert for flying over the water. Similar to past Sealion models, the Wings simply adds more aggressive capability to the light air wavesailing opportunities which equates to FUN on the water. I recently caught a near epic Fathers Day sesh down at Ramp 55 near the Hatteras Ferry Docks with low to mid teen range wind, sunny skies and long period head+ set wave super long line surf! The Wings was in its element and provided many epic wave ride scores throughout the session!<br />
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Yesterday, I had the Wings out for <a href="http://www.surfrider.org/isd" target="_blank">International Surfing Day</a> in Nags Head. Excellent and fun surfing conditions with no/minimal offshore wind. I prone surfed the Wings on this sesh, and again the board scored well for some fun long and aggressive rides! <br />
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Next will be foil flying and I calmly await arrival of the foil for future summer ocean side flights when the surf is down but the wind/weather is ideal for flying above the water!<br />
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For those interested in the AHD Sealion, be sure to contact the current <span style="font-size: large;">US East Coast dealer, <span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://wind-nc.com/" target="_blank">Wind-NC</a></span>!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13490695_1019160158120251_1091514900514266601_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20160621]" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13490695_1019160158120251_1091514900514266601_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sealion Wings in action at Rmp 55 for Father's Day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13498119_1019160151453585_6608129877966587713_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20160621]" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13498119_1019160151453585_6608129877966587713_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom turn on the Wings and lining up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13442462_10153475320136076_1466131269158931230_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20160621]" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13442462_10153475320136076_1466131269158931230_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prone surfing the Wings on International Surfing Day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13422207_10154195153263397_3380603856046519148_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20160621]" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13422207_10154195153263397_3380603856046519148_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The foil box for the Sealion Wings - coming soon!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">photos: Keith McCulloch and Lauren Nassetta</span></div>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-13618374765718041152016-06-16T11:37:00.001-05:002016-06-16T11:38:04.304-05:00Nada to YadaYada Overnight?!<span style="font-size: large;">What a weekend forecast! </span> Looks like something is coming in strong and hard and we should have lasting effects though most of next week. Amazing how the surf is forecast to go from completely flat to near 10ft overnight! We shall see...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5F_qs5i9KwNJpiB7iYJ221RBj8zyznyrIl31kR7sWs8tsmnbmaunO6mbjHReMZw1jeLrulN3D3cqk2XmbaT4QY7O6JHWJcMiFyjZV0p89du0Qnjv9JHhcw_YlefLhgWCd3e_1A/s1600/yadayada.png" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20160616]" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5F_qs5i9KwNJpiB7iYJ221RBj8zyznyrIl31kR7sWs8tsmnbmaunO6mbjHReMZw1jeLrulN3D3cqk2XmbaT4QY7O6JHWJcMiFyjZV0p89du0Qnjv9JHhcw_YlefLhgWCd3e_1A/s400/yadayada.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WindGuru forecast map as of June 16, 2016</td></tr>
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We shall see how it plays out, but I am most interested if that forecast for the SW turn holds next week?! Of course, perhaps a weekend southside run may be on the cards if there is some solid wrap?! All in all, looks to be a nice week of wind and waves in the forecast.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-23339856218958080552016-06-06T07:49:00.000-05:002016-06-06T07:49:02.776-05:002016 Atlantic Hurricane Season Off to an Early Start!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/2016_Atlantic_hurricane_season_summary_map.png/800px-2016_Atlantic_hurricane_season_summary_map.png" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20160606]" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/2016_Atlantic_hurricane_season_summary_map.png/800px-2016_Atlantic_hurricane_season_summary_map.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Atlantic_hurricane_season" target="_blank">2016 Atlantic Storms</a> thus far source: Wikipedia</td></tr>
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Bonnie last week, Colin this week.... Alex back in January, we have had quite early tropical activity in the Atlantic this year. Bonnie last week dumped copious amounts of rain on the OBX flooding much of Rt12 in the Tri Village (Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo), sections of the road on Pea Island, and central Avon. With Colin's rain scheduled to come in next, looks like we will not be drying out anytime soon.<br />
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Usually with tropical systems in the area, we are amped for the wind/wavesailing potential. However, these two storms are primarily rain makers with minimal surf and inconsistent winds among the rain bands. Nothing to get too excited about. <br />
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Yesterday (Sunday, June 5) we had some fun SSW wind across the islands with sunny skies and small surf. A fun sesh "between storms!" I caught it at Coqunia Beach which has some really nice outside sandbars this year; however, unfortunately without a solid swell period, the surf is pretty weak. If only these named storms were 300 miles off Hatteras rather than spawning off FL and riding up from the south along the coast! Oh well, we are early in the season and with the forecast La Nina this summer, perhaps we will see some more action in the Atlantic to spice up the surf conditions along the OBX?! I remember <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_Atlantic_hurricane_season" target="_blank">2005 as the year we had 28 named storms</a> and near chest+ surf daily all summer. Unfortunately that was also the year of Katrina, however, for summer-time OBX surf, we can only rely on named storms to provide the engine for the swell. Lets hope for a year of named storms which remain well off the US mainland and simply run "The Slot" between Hatteras and Bermuda! Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-82731871839060609852016-06-02T07:31:00.003-05:002016-06-23T09:02:33.328-05:00Sealion Pro for Sale!Check out the Sealion Pro for sale! <br />
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This rare light air wave ride guarantees FUN summer time surf sessions with a sail in hand! The Pro model offers a more aggressive ride over the Sealion Classic with a thinner rail line and 115 ltr of volume. The board is an excellent choice for those looking to ride the surf of summer and always have that "insurance" option loaded for those weekend Hatteras runs or simply a window of time to catch a few waves!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">$750</span></b> - <a href="mailto:obxbill@gmail.com" target="_blank">contact for details</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPq3EaEcrlOZBnge0YXMZUgDfFSWCv2bfVCGmguyYGJxCj5hi4l87R0YlKguevZw3jPAkshZDPW9vbiD-YZO7zr7AgO_pjZr1_3oWRqt0aLokUUy4lAWtPeQb1nAYJl6ZssD6iww/s1600/IMG_20160601_181715738.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20160602]" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPq3EaEcrlOZBnge0YXMZUgDfFSWCv2bfVCGmguyYGJxCj5hi4l87R0YlKguevZw3jPAkshZDPW9vbiD-YZO7zr7AgO_pjZr1_3oWRqt0aLokUUy4lAWtPeQb1nAYJl6ZssD6iww/s200/IMG_20160601_181715738.jpg" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gKSkiEm8Yyl6rvbQcl9yD4ip1jOZ9OUziC43NTSO8bUlJwh9BQLQSAPCTqcCEqNcD0V0rsy5ACCeSBPNTEcXaOIn3d-CWObPrpzQxPAkM_d4T7_WZ6GEwrSx7zKBXPcDA27U5g/s1600/IMG_20160601_181725140.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20160602]" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gKSkiEm8Yyl6rvbQcl9yD4ip1jOZ9OUziC43NTSO8bUlJwh9BQLQSAPCTqcCEqNcD0V0rsy5ACCeSBPNTEcXaOIn3d-CWObPrpzQxPAkM_d4T7_WZ6GEwrSx7zKBXPcDA27U5g/s200/IMG_20160601_181725140.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
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<br />Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-45867780647111548042016-05-09T07:39:00.003-05:002016-05-10T07:07:09.229-05:00Windsurfing Alive and WellCheck out the<span style="font-size: large;"> latest edition of the <a href="http://coastobx.com/" target="_blank">Coast OBX</a> local print paper</span>. The May edition features a <span style="font-size: large;">headline story on windsurfing</span> and an great cover shot of Keith M catching a south side line! Inside features the story along with some additional images! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pj-eLShsTnHPM7hYwP5eQYlDKe4wk-k0FYEQQoOJouFWI68m_y6yQ7EAkeh-vO23IL8LoOqZR7RDOR4Tw2xjI0f5KeUTWR0vRqxSRT4-rgW7EFp8rSRQCzWzurphv6T_k6Ij1Q/s1600/IMG_20160509_074632474.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20160509]" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pj-eLShsTnHPM7hYwP5eQYlDKe4wk-k0FYEQQoOJouFWI68m_y6yQ7EAkeh-vO23IL8LoOqZR7RDOR4Tw2xjI0f5KeUTWR0vRqxSRT4-rgW7EFp8rSRQCzWzurphv6T_k6Ij1Q/s400/IMG_20160509_074632474.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover Coast OBX 2016 May Edition</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a rel="lightbox[20160509]" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXxeZrSyuDEXzORDScyvq0zyOI8CQSVka-LhW0A-BsEDPdFgJnqmjahGrTsGk0gbR-FlR0Yw2XkgpEOaN4nHELrNupbEkIC3Fial7iPe_w5-9zXAYSQ8T37XU4uQn0j38-BKlpw/s1600/IMG_20160510_072922846a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXxeZrSyuDEXzORDScyvq0zyOI8CQSVka-LhW0A-BsEDPdFgJnqmjahGrTsGk0gbR-FlR0Yw2XkgpEOaN4nHELrNupbEkIC3Fial7iPe_w5-9zXAYSQ8T37XU4uQn0j38-BKlpw/s400/IMG_20160510_072922846a.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writeup by Fran Marler</td></tr>
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Great to see a local plug for windsurfing, and note that indeed the sport is very much alive and well on the OBX! </div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-91082469232251626492016-05-02T07:35:00.001-05:002016-05-02T07:39:32.253-05:00Fun Coqunia Wave Sesh Yesterday!<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, there was a solid swell in the water and S wind</span> turned on in the afternoon. A key spot of interest was <span style="font-size: large;">Coquina Beach</span>. Coquina is a rarely windsurfed beach as it is located just south of the Nags Head town line; however, the orientation of the island in the area <span style="font-size: large;">provides excellent side-off conditions for due S wind</span>. Where it can be choppy/side-on south of Oregon Inlet, Coquina is perfectly groomed with long lines and solid conditions. Yesterday, we had that combo and although the swell was fleeting, there were some fun head high sets between the periods of lake-like conditions for ease of getting out. <br />
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Pro Japanese wavesailor <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kana.suzuki.3133?fref=ts" target="_blank">Kana Suzuki</a> and her Dad joined me for the action at Coquina. Wind speed had dipped; however with a floaty ride there was no problem getting into the lineup. I rode the trusty Sealion Pro and caught a quick session as Kana's Mom kept an eye on my two little dudes (BIG thx!) while they enjoyed some game time on the Android (earlier when I was scouting, they had a ton of fun playing among the dunes and beach at Coquina). Kana and her Dad caught some great rides on some nice surf conditions, and I enjoyed a number of fun rides myself on the Lion. All in all, a great session for a Sunday afternoon/early evening!<br />
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Here are a few <a href="http://bambuser.com/channel/obxbill" target="_blank">Bambuser reports</a> I shot while scouting. If I was solo (no dudes), I would have been out there as soon as I saw the lineup!<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="325" src="https://embed.bambuser.com/broadcast/6239658" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="325" src="https://embed.bambuser.com/broadcast/6239687" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-5022246383699385352016-04-26T07:53:00.003-05:002016-04-26T09:14:50.324-05:00The Sealion Wing is Coming!<span style="font-size: large;">This summer I am looking forward to a new Sealion ride..., the <a href="http://www.ahd-boards.com/models/sealion-wings-2/" target="_blank">Sealion Wing</a>! </span> The Wing is a lower volume (109ltr) aggressive design which offers top surfing performance. The Wing has same outline as the Pro model, however includes a thinner rail and redesigned tail end underside to <span style="font-size: large;">improve performance and handling in the surf</span>. The Wings also feature the option for a hydro-foil add-on for flying above the water; however, I will be sticking to the surf with the one I have incoming. Plus the new color options and graphics are pretty cool!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ahd-boards.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/AHD-web_0005_AHD-2016_Sealion-Wings-262x415.png" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20160426]" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;border:0;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ahd-boards.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/AHD-web_0005_AHD-2016_Sealion-Wings-262x415.png" height="320" width="202" style="border:0;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016 Sealion Wings source AHD</td></tr>
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Great news too is that we now have a local dealer for the AHD Sealion line. <span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://wind-nc.com/" target="_blank">Wind-NC</a> now carries Sealion's</span> and Andy will have a few 83s in stock at the shop, and can also take orders for future shipments! Thus, if you are an East Coast sailor interested in the Sealion, we now have have a regional dealer to get you onto a new Lion!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One thing I really enjoy about the Sealion is its guarantee of time on the water</span>. Yesterday, I had a busy work schedule and my son's first T-ball game in the evening. Moderate wind and FUN surf was up in Nags Head, and I had to get a fix on the water. The Sealion was the answer with a quick 30 min session simply sitting in the surf zone where I caught at least 10 fun waves, plenty of turns and hits at the lip before heading out to the t-ball game. <span style="font-size: large;"> The Sealion is "Dad's Ride" as it gives you time to get out for that quick fix session between busy work/life schedules.</span> No more jonesing about lackluster wind as the Sealion gets you out there no matter what its blowing as long as there is surf on the sandbar! Looking forward to more "Dad's Rides" coming soon!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">PS: also if interested in the Sealion Pro, I will likely have one for sale soon.</span> Stay tuned for more in a future blog post!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-71489798545183628892016-04-25T19:24:00.000-05:002016-04-25T19:24:01.581-05:00Who Says Windsurfing's Been Cancelled?!<span style="font-size: large;">Wow, check out this shot from last weeks <a href="https://obx-wind.com/" target="_blank">OBX-Wind</a>'s race event at Island Creek In Avon. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/13041011_986875198015414_1855172039485208166_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20160425]" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/13041011_986875198015414_1855172039485208166_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OBX-Wind main event Reef Run Race photo: Windsurfer Photos</td></tr>
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Great to see all the sails out on the water and a level of participation unparalleled for some time here on the OBX! Congrats to all the participants and organizers who put the race and event week together. Awesome to see windsurfing very alive and strong with both the visiting and local stoke!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-84825732368547698902016-04-15T16:14:00.004-05:002016-04-15T16:16:46.902-05:00The Action is South Side!!We are currently in one of those week long stretches of <span style="font-size: large;">strong NE wind with cool days and hot action </span>on the water! Keith M has been <span style="font-size: large;">posting regularly on the<a href="https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/obxbeachlife" target="_blank"> OBX Beach Life forum</a> with session calls</span> ranging Old Lighthouse beach to Hatteras Inlet. The action looks top notch/classic Hatteras southside with long lines, and lots of turns/hits on the clean surf!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keith M on a nice line at Izzys on the south side between Friso and Hatteras. photo: Rick E</td></tr>
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Check into Keith's <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cncfins/" target="_blank">CNC Fins</a> facebook page</span> for more photos and commentary on this epic NE Hatteras run. <br />
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Hah, I am missing it!!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-30732022586115520862016-03-17T07:49:00.000-05:002016-03-17T08:03:36.001-05:00Gear for Sale - 2014 MauiSails MutantsIts that time of year with the Hatteras 2016 windsurfing season set to launch into full swing as the northerly migration of windsurfers swings down this way for warm winds and "warming" water.<br />
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The <span style="font-size: large;"> MauiSails Mutant is an excellent line</span> that I have rode in recent years. The line works especially well for low end power and excels for use with light air SUP wavesailing along with standard wavesailing! The design is excellent and all aspects of the sail are top notch!<br />
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<b>2014 5.1m Mutant:</b> $275 (red) (great condition)<br />
<b>2014 4.6m Mutant: </b> $275 (blue) (great condition)<br />
<b>both for $525!</b><br />
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<a href="mailto:obxbill@gmail.com" target="_blank">contact if interested!</a><br />
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-9559356767469914852016-03-04T08:19:00.002-05:002016-03-04T08:25:05.044-05:00New for 2016, the OBX Beach Life CalendarRecent dialog on the <a href="https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/obxbeachlife"><span style="font-size: large;">OBX Beach Life Forum</span></a> noted a need for a calendar to allow forum participants a way to inform others when they will be visiting to <span style="font-size: large;">better coordinate gatherings and sailing sessions.</span> Fortunately Google provides a solution that easily maps with other integrated components such as the forum or this blog. Still working out the kinks on the calendar; however, there are a few posts up from sailors who will be visiting the islands later this year. If you are interested in coordinating with fellow Hatteras bound windsurfers, the new <span style="font-size: large;">OBX Beach Life Calendar</span> is a great way to see when folks are planning a visit, and arrange similar windows of opportunity! Note, you will need to be a member of the OBX Beach Life forum to post to the calendar. However, anyone can view!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="600" scrolling="no" src="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?showPrint=0&showCalendars=0&showTz=0&height=600&wkst=1&bgcolor=%23FFFFFF&src=3kl03n36ftckqlc1itos8m8s6o%40group.calendar.google.com&color=%238D6F47&ctz=America%2FNew_York" style="border-width: 0;" width="400"></iframe></div>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-20141009502865846462016-02-26T09:28:00.002-05:002016-02-26T09:28:17.884-05:00Welcome 2016 and the Upcoming Hatteras Windsurfing Year!Its been quite a while since the last blog post. Basically the last one was the follow-up to the <b><span style="font-size: large;">2015 AWT Hatteras Wave Jam</span></b> which was a huge success with excellent contest conditions. The event week was marred late by rain and some extreme weather for vacating participants; however, the first half of the week saw building surf, a mix of sun and rain, and fun times for all who participated. I was fortunate to score a 3rd place trophy in Ams and 7th in Pros! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/t31.0-8/11850593_1195559297127448_1337751298877569047_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20160226]" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="1st place finisher Casey T sending the spray my way!"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/t31.0-8/11850593_1195559297127448_1337751298877569047_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st place finisher Casey T sending the spray my way!</td></tr>
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Following Wave Jam, we experienced an excellent Fall season with warm weather and water extending much later than usual. I fondly remember a "trunks only" surf session a few days before Thanksgiving in Nags Head! There were also a number of Sealion days and a few standard kit sessions peppered throughout the final days of 2015 with only a 3/2 wetsuit and no cap, booties, or gloves required! The crew in Hatteras caught may great sessions, and though I missed most due to work/life commitments, I was able to catch what I could here in Nags Head, along with a few trips south of Oregon Inlet bridge.<br />
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Now we are into the new year and looking forward to the upcoming Hatteras Spring, Summer, and Fall windsurfing/wavesailing seasons! March is only a few days away and already we are starting the warm windy transitional weather patterns which usher in those 70+ deg, 25+mph S wind days near weekly. <br />
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Its that time of year to get pumped up for the season, and daydream about the warm windy sessions to come in May/June! Of course, the annual migration from our northern windsurfing friends will begin soon with late March/April seeing the everyone filling the the village of Avon. <br />
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Looking forward to the upcoming season and more great windy, wavy sessions ahead!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stoked for windsurfing!</td></tr>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-32459673248223072012015-09-24T07:44:00.003-05:002016-02-26T09:34:24.480-05:00AWT Hatteras Wave Jam Scored!<span style="font-size: large;">Wow, what an event!</span> All divisions have been run and conditions were excellent for a Hatteras wavesailing competition! <span style="font-size: large;">Ranging classic Lighthouse for the Pros with mast+ set bombers and action captured in photos and video unseen before in Hatteras, to south side clean lines of chest+ set surf for all other divisions, Tuesday and Wed delivered the goods for awesome exposure of when it is on fire here on the islands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is one of the most impressive run at lip I have ever seen in Hatteras! Go Boujma Guilloul on this epic shot!</span> Interestingly, coming off the lip, he was completely engulfed in whitewater where nothing but white was seen from the beach. Then suddenly he appeared out ahead of the mountain of white with sail in hand and recovered. He continued the ride into "no mans land" where he spent some time recovering; however, with this first hit, it was the most impressive perhaps seen in Hatteras! Epic!<br />
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<a href="http://americanwindsurfingtour.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Boujmaa-top-turn.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="lightbox[20150925]" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://americanwindsurfingtour.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Boujmaa-top-turn.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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All in all, <a href="http://americanwindsurfingtour.com/" target="_blank">see the AWT web site for the latest news and final results for all divisions</a>! Killer event and stoked for all that make it out here to catch classic "on fire" Hatteras wavesailing conditions! <span style="font-size: large;">Also big shout out to Sam Bittner for leading the AWT again this year, and Andy McKinney at <a href="http://wind-nc.com/" target="_blank">Wind-NC</a></span> for supporting another excellent year as title sponsor for the tour stop!<br />
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/140339425">Cape Hatteras Wave Jam goes off with Epic Conditions.</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/americanwindsurfingtour">American Windsurfing Tour</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-59360722913332468972015-09-11T07:25:00.002-05:002015-09-11T07:28:38.474-05:00The AWT Hatteras Wave Jam Sept 21-26<span style="font-size: large;">Hatteras Wave Jam 2015 is on again this year </span>as the top/only US East Coast windsurfing wave competition and Tour stop for the <a href="http://americanwindsurfingtour.com/" target="_blank">2015 American Windsurfing Tour (AWT)</a> <span style="font-size: large;">The AWT is the premier US/International windsurfing tour</span> featuring stops on the mainland US west/east coasts, Maui, Baja, and Peru. Five years running, the AWT features the best national/international wavesailing talent at all levels of competition. <span style="font-size: large;">The AWT Hatteras Wave Jam is the pinnacle of US East Coast wavesailing action</span> and is set to return again to Hatteras Island for our prime surf season in mid/late September!<br />
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From Tour Director Sam Bittner:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Hello Team Hatteras Wave Jam!</span><br />
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We are all looking forward to making the trip to beautiful Avon. Invite your friends to come! The more the merrier :) This year we will be prepared to include SUP if the wind is light for part of the time so be sure to bring your boards. Windsurfing entry includes SUP entry but if anyone wants to only join SUP, the price is $50 for the week. Contest will run - Saturday condition dependent.</div>
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Here is the week's evening schedule:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sunday, September20</span><sup>th</sup></b><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>:</b> Wind-NC for opening/registration/check in: 6-8pm with beer and food.</span></div>
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<b>Monday, September 21<sup>th</sup>: </b>Open Night</div>
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<b>Tuesday, September 22<sup>nd</sup>:</b> Sunset SUP at Ocean Air with Cocktails</div>
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<b>Wednesday, September 23<sup>rd</sup>:</b> Pot Luck Dinner at AWT House in Avon. Address TBA.</div>
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<b>Thursday, September 24<sup>th</sup>:</b> Open night</div>
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<b>Friday, September 25<sup>th</sup>:</b> Closing party at Ocean Air with food, beer, prizes and awards.</div>
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Dreaming of wind and waves :) </div>
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Sam</div>
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<br />Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-87882494905965471052015-06-09T13:36:00.000-05:002015-06-09T13:38:10.095-05:00More FUN Wave Sailing Conditions in Nags Head!Not sure what is up this year, but we have been seeing a lot of SSE/S wind opportunities with strongest conditions north of Oregon Inlet. I have been out near daily "in town" catching great surf and sail conditions at both Bladen and Enterprise Streets in Nags Head. Many days were on the Sealion, but a few have been on the standard kit as well! <br />
Yesterday was likely one of the best where a solid surf swell was hitting along with moderate S wind! I was, as usual, solo on my standard windsurfing kit, though a few surfers were in the lineup enjoying the head+ set peaks and average waist+ action. Warm water and lots of sun made it one of the best "in town" wavesailing days yet this year. <br />
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Though no sailing available in this clip, you can get a glimpse of the surf break and my surprise at seeing one of the bigger sets roll in as soon as I started filming the report!<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://embed.bambuser.com/broadcast/5576099" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31416411.post-3917959080504275712015-06-03T07:30:00.001-05:002015-06-03T07:30:34.633-05:00Days of SSE Winds and a Decent Swell Serve Up Fun In Nags Head!Over the past week, the predominant OBX weather pattern has been SSE/S wind and a decent sized swell in the water ranging waist+ throughout most of the period. <span style="font-size: large;">I have been catching daily "extended lunch break" sessions at Bladen St in town where a decent outside sandbar currently exists.</span> Conch St has not been working as well as past years, thus focus has shifted to Bladen as well as Enterprise. Both of these spots primarily work on SSE or S, as SSW will be very sheltered. However, on the SeaLion, this is not a problem. There have been a few days where the standard kit did work, and I was even able to pop a few rare "in-town loops" off an approaching swell; however, most of the sessions have been SeaLion only. <br />
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The surf over the past week has been quite fun with a peak this past Sunday. Unfortunately, during the peak, SE winds were minimal even for the SeaLion, and the water was unseasonably cold (low 50s). I did catch a late session Sunday following the tide switch that brought in warmer water, but it was only a few waves, though fun in size and power..., of course, trunks only!<br />
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All in all, there has been plenty of in town action given all these days of SSE/S wind with strongest conditions north of O Inlet. Hopefully, things turn on down South and we see a "classic" Bermuda High lock into place with strong SSW winds daily! Of course, I have to juggle the time to get down south of the bridge, but at least I have been able to catch some fun stuff up in town lately!Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05850830946224689361noreply@blogger.com0