22 | October | 2008 |

The stars aligned yesterday on the Outer Banks. Wind, swell, and weather were close to perfect, combing to create ideal conditions for the WRV “Battle of the Banks” held in Rodanthe.

It was a gorgeous fall day on the Outer Banks, with sunny conditions bringing the temperature to the low 70’s, and holding the water temperature in the mid 60’s. A strong offshore wind combined with swell leftover from the weekend’s storm to bring chest to head high sets of clean, glassy waves and a lot of “tubes.”

The overall result from the competition was a great day of surfing had by all. Specifically, the Virginia Beach team left victorious, and Nags Head’s Pat McManus ended the day with the overall victory due in large part to his impressive skills in the “tubes” that developed. In addition to the “Best Barrel” awarded by Billabong earlier this month, Jesse Hines scored the best barrel yesterday taking home $500 from Hurley.

Once again the Outer Banks is highlighted as a worldclass surf destination.

Outer Banks local Jesse Hines scored the summer’s “Best Barrel” in Billabong’s Freewave Challenge. Jesse took advantage of the great swell gifted to the Outer Banks by Hurricane Ike in early September. Jesse charged a thick tube and successfully escaped before the wave crashed. View the impressive video footage here: http://freewave.billabong.com/nominees/barrel_nominee/index.html.

Not only does Jesse get the benefit of an amazing ride and bragging rights, but he was also awarded $3,000 from Billabong for his feat.

Congratulations to Jesse.