Like pretty much everyone on the East Coast, the Outer Banks was my first surf trip. I was about 14, surfed the infamous Hatteras Lighthouse, saw wild deer, slept in the state campground, and our tent blew down in the middle of the night.
If there's one thing this place has, it's wind. Right now, there's a 20-knot north breeze howling at the window. I love it.
We arrived on Saturday morning, which turned out to be an ephemeral autumn day — 80 degrees, some south swell, trucks on the beach and even some southern ladies getting some late-season basking. Of course, the southwest wind was a bit much and kind of tore the surf apart, but a great day, nonetheless. There was a moderate leftover yesterday morning, but the northerly gales came up by 7:30. Catching the reoccurring theme yet?
Ann Marie Coen
A minute that the wind actually chilled out.
For lunch, I had a "shrimp burger" at Pop's Raw Bar.
Turned out to be eight steamed shrimp on a roll with lettuce, tomato, and tarter sauce. Shrimp burger? What did ya expect Yank? Today we found some mini-bowls where the howling north winds were a little more favorable. I've come here every year since I was 14. I've been skunked, but never had a bad trip. It's a right of passage, adrenaline rush, spiritual journey, and chucking beer cans into the fire, all in one.
The Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk area have built up tremendously in the past two decades, but once you get to the actual National Seashore, the beaches and villages haven't changed much. Life still revolves around what sandbar's breaking, what fish is biting, and of course — the wind. The wind never sleeps here.
Jon Coen
The locals are none to happy with the Park Service inforcing the court's decisions.
The Outer Banks are still embroiled in controversey
, as it has been for the last several years. It seems a resolution has yet to be found for the Audubon Society vs 99% of beachgoing public, while the National Parks seems caught in the middle. It's a very complex issue involving the piping plovers and cutting off not only driving, but foot access to certain beaches. While I'm sure 4-wheeling on the beach might need some regulations to protect certain species, a win by the Audubon Society could choke the local economy right out. But then again, the piping plover "I like 'em fried" bumper sticker is just ignorant as well.
The surf is building now. Should clean up for some fun stuff later in the week. Check back for some great content from this gem of the Tarheel state. I'll be down here "Bloggin' From the Banks," all week.
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Contributors
Jon Coen
Jon is from New Jersey and continues to reside there with his wife and dog—which means occasional empty barrels and the occasional session in the snow.The state isn't as dirty as people might think, but he'll let them keep believing that.
Jake Howard
Jake lives, writes, and surfs in San Clemente, California. He spent his formative gremlin years surfing points north of San Francisco, and for the last 10 years has been contently surviving behind the Orange Curtain.
Kimball Taylor
Author of Return by Water, as well as books on Jeffreys Bay and Pipeline, Kimball drives a red hot Camero, and back in the '70s, he used to party with your Dad.
Daniel Ikaika Ito
Daniel surfs like a hippie, but dresses like a homie. The Native Hawaiian originally hails from Hilo, but now resides in Honolulu. He enjoys twin-fins, new sneakers and being ESPN's "Cuz On The Scene" in the 50th State.
Jason Kenworthy
About as majestic as a turkey vulture, when he's not shlepping his lens around the world or looking for road kill, Jason can be found at home in Dana Point tending to his growing brood.
