Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
August 20-22, 2010
After the amazing surf next to Oceana Pier last year, I was really excited about taking the kayak back to the same spot this season. Unfortunately, I found no waves breaking at the outer sand bar on day one and could only find a few small ones to surf near shore. Day two was even more disappointing, as you can tell by the photos above. I've been on lakes with more action. I kept my boat on the beach all day hoping that something would kick up, but there was nothing, absolutely nothing happening out there. After two days of lefts, the third day brought rights and a few finally started building further out, breaking on the sand bar. I quickly grabbed the Fun and tried to squeeze in a few rides before we left. It wasn't really anything like last year's fun, but there were still enough moments to make me want to try it again next summer.
July 18, 2009
Whew, couldn't get my mojo working today. The waves were not breaking as nice today and had a lot more munch to them, but mostly the blame was on me. I got greedy way too often and paid the price by spending about as much time upside down as right side up. I think I can still taste saltwater. While paddling out, one wave gave me a huge back flip when it curled just before I could punch over it. Guess that was one that I should have spun around and caught, but like I said, just couldn't find the mojo. Still fun, but no great rides. Jackson did shoot some video this time, catching the final ride in after calling it a day, which was nice of him, since he had to take a break from his own boogie boarding to do it. It gave me just enough footage to finish the latest paddling video, which I'll call Kibler To Coast.
July 17, 2009
Really good waves today, lots of fun. Enjoyed watching the surfers on short boards working the rights next to Oceana pier all day. I paddled out in my Fun around 2 when the waves appeared to be at their best, then again about an hour later. High tide was at 4. Thanks to a sandbar sitting pretty far out, the waves were breaking in two sets on the right side of the pier. Paddling out was an adventure each time, with waves stacked up close and high. Great rides back in though. Ended the day with my most fun ride yet in the ocean, bouncing twice down the front of a big wave before side surfing in front of the foam, spinning my only 360 of the day and finishing with a smooth surf onto shore, ending up right beside a little two year old girl who was jumping and clapping.
