Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report: 2.23.12 – Feels Like Spring

Posted on February 23, 2012

Outer Banks: 2.23.12 - Gorgeous Day at Jennette's Pier

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Thursday, February 23, 2012.

This video was shot at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head at 9:15 AM.

Perfect OBX weather. Feels like spring. Warm sun, blue skies, light offshore breeze out of the southwest at 5-10 mph, and temps in the upper 60′s. Doesn’t get much better than this.

This weather will stick around for tomorrow, and then the temps will dip to the 50′s for the weekend, and the sun will stay with us.

There’s a pretty little longboard wave out there today. Knee high for the most part with some sets hitting the waist. The longboard wave should stick with us tomorrow too.

OBX fishing is slow. Dog fish and skate at Jennette’s Pier and tuna offshore.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Outer Banks Link Love: 1.27.12 – OBX Beach Driving Restrictions?!

Posted on January 27, 2012

Outer Banks Link Love

Happy Friday! Time for a little OBX link love.

Here are all of the Outer Banks stories that I couldn’t cover this. Let’s jump right into the fire with one of the most controversial topics the OBX has dealt with.

Outer Banks Beach Driving Restrictions
This has been years in the making, but it seems the hammer has finally been dropped. Permits are now required for Hatteras beach driving. And as the icing on the cake of disappointment, drivers will also be required to take a short “educational program.” Yikes! I love nature and birds as much as the next guy, but I’m not a fan of snatching our freedom and adding bureaucracy to our lives. Oh well. Life rolls on. But make sure you get your permit before you hit the beach on Hatteras. Fines are no fun.

Oregon Inlet Debate
While we’re on the subject of a sticky situation, let’s discuss the debate surrounding Oregon Inlet. Over the past few months, we’ve shared posts discussing the fact that Mother Nature is gradually – or not so gradually – closing the channel at Oregon Inlet. Oregon Inlet is crucial to the Outer Banks. It is a necessity to get boats out of the Sound and into the open ocean. Without Oregon Inlet, the OBX fishing industry – commercial and recreational – would change drastically. Question/debate is who pays to keep it open. Thanks to a great interview by the Outer Banks voice, long-time OBX resident Moon Tillett helps us understand that this debate is nothing new.

Wave Energy at Jennette’s Pier
Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head is super cool. Gorgeous architecture, live examples of local fish from the NC aquarium, great fishing off the pier, a pretty sweet surf spot, and a whole bunch of “green” energy going on. Check out this video of a new wave energy conversion tool they recently tested off the end of their. Rad!

PS – Checkout our webcam focused on the Pier…and the sweet surf spot.

Outer Banks Cinemagraph: OBX Wind Energy at Jennette’s Pier

Posted on January 16, 2012

Have you heard of these super cool picture/video thingys called “cinemagrpahs?”

They’re awesome. Basically a still picture with a subtle touch of motion…a picture with a tiny piece of video. Very cool.

Here’s the definition from Wikipedia: Cinemagraphs are still photographs in which a minor and repeated movement occurs. Cinemagraphs can give the illusion that the viewer is watching a video.

I’ve been trying to get all of the pieces in line to create one, and I finally figured it out. At the risk of being less than humble, I have to say that I think it’s pretty groovy.

Below is our first of many Outer Banks Cinemagraphs. It is a picture of a beautiful day at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head with the wind turbines spinning to generate some OBX wind energy. Rad right?!

Stay tuned; we’ll have more OBX Cinemagraphs headed your way soon. And if you have a special one that you’d like to see, please let me know in the comments below…I love to hear from you.

Oh yeah, and let me know what you think of the Outer Banks Cinemagraphs…cool or what?

PS – You may have the click on the picture to get the full effect of the movement.

Outer Banks Cinemagraph: OBX Wind Energy at Jennette's Pier

Outer Banks: Gorgeous Winter Day at Jennette’s Pier

Posted on January 7, 2012

Outer Banks: 1.6.12 - Gorgeous January Day at Jennette's Pier

It’s January. The sun is shining, the skies are blue, the ocean shimmers like a sea of diamonds, and the temps are in the 60′s. Winter perfection.

Of course, it could be 35 degrees with winds blowing at 25 mph two days later, but that’s the beauty of the Outer Banks. All four seasons reveal themselves on the OBX, but even the nastiest chill is leveled off by the potential for spring-like conditions around every corner.

Since we have the pleasure of sun and 60′s in January, I was motivated to get out and make the most of it. Yesterday I ventured down to Jennette’s Pier to take in the perfect weather and empty beaches.The pier was quiet. And the beaches even quieter.

Such a peaceful winter scene. Summer on the Outer Banks is amazing, but the serenity of the winter months are tough to beat.

Since you weren’t able to ride shotgun on my trip, I whipped together a quick video.

Enjoy a gorgeous winter day at Jennette’s Pier…

OBX Moment of Zen: 1.6.12 – Gorgeous Friday

Posted on January 6, 2012

Outer Banks: 1.6.12 - Gorgeous January Day at Jennette's Pier

Good morning. Here’s your Outer Banks Moment of Zen for Friday, January 6, 2011.

This video was shot at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head at 10 AM.

Gorgeous Friday, and a gorgeous weekend ahead. Sun, 60, and a light southwest wind.

Knee high surf.

Slow fishing, but a great day to be outside casting. Stripers are o the way.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun.

Captured Live on Ustream at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/outer-banks

Tis the Season….to be at the OBX!

Posted on November 16, 2011

With Thanksgiving right around the corner and Christmas not too far behind, the holiday season is in full swing. Whether you are heading to the beach with family for the holidays or a local, we wanted to let you know about some upcoming events here in the Outer Banks. We have mentioned OBXmas weekends earlier in the fall, but there have been more great events announced and tons more on the way. From shopping, to light shows, to fishing tournaments, there is something fun for the whole family to enjoy. Here are some highlights of some of the events begining next week.

Reindeer Run Extravaganza:

Retailers join forces Thanksgiving weekend to provide the ultimate holiday shopping experience. The Reindeer Run is brought to you by the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and provides visitors and residents a quick guide to the best local shopping and discounts. On Black Friday follow the red line. Follow the green line on Small Business Saturday.

Friday, November 25 (Red Line map );

Click here for participating retailers

Saturday, November 26 (Green Line map)

Click here for participating retailers

Redfish Saturday Fishing Tournament at Jennettes Pier:

The new Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head will hold its first ever Redfish Saturday tournament on Nov. 26 from 8 a.m. until noon. Trophies will be awarded that day for the longest fish of these types: red drum, black drum, bluefish, speckled trout, gray trout, striped bass, croaker, flounder and others. Jennette’s Pier has partnered with Tanger Outlet Center also of Nags Head for the event. Everyone who registers for the tournament will receive a free Tanger Outlet coupon book, a $350 value. The pier’s educational staff will offer fee-based programs for children during the tournament. So, let the angler in your family go fishing and the shopper go shopping at the nearby outlets.

Event Information:

Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head

Saturday, November 26; 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Families must register by Wednesday, Nov. 23 for the programs. For more information, call 252-255-1501, ext. 202.

Kites with Lights:

Watch the night sky magically transform as kites with lights glow in the sky atop Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Kites go up around 3 p.m. and will be in the sky until 6 p.m. Hot apple cider and cookies will be served beginning at 4 p.m. at Kitty Hawk Kites store. This is a very well attended event so get there early to get your parking spot.

Event Information:

Jockey’s Ridge State Park,

Mile Post 12.5, Nags Head

Saturday, November 26, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

1-877-FLY-THIS, 252-441-4124

Island Farms Presents: Island Foodways

Looking for something to do with the family after Thanksgiving? Come to Island Farm as we interpret fall food traditions and share how Roanoke Island families prepared for winter during the 1850s. Some activities will include: hearth cooking, food preservation, ox-drawn wagon rides from 10am-noon, corn shucking and shelling in the afternoon. Bring a nonperishable food item and receive $1 off admission to the farm. Goods will be donated to the Roanoke Island Food Pantry.

Event Information:

Island Farm, Manteo

Saturday, November 26,

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Standard admission of $6 (or $5 with donation of canned good), children ages 5 and under admitted free.

Upcoming Events

23rd Annual Festival of Trees: December 1 -3

Grand Illuminations at the Elizabethan Gardens: December 3

Downtown Manteo Christmas Parade: December 3

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Winter Climb: December 10

Christmas Past at Island Farm: December 10

108th Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight: December 17

Since this is my favorite time of year, its awesome the Outer Banks has so much going on for residents and visitors. I have heard that the Kites with Lights is a really sweet event because you get to watch the sunset get transformed into a winter wonderland! Make sure you get out and check out some of these great events brought to us by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and make a new OBX tradition!

Outer Banks: 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking Highlights – Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head NC

Posted on October 15, 2011

Outer Banks: 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking

September went out, and October arrived, with a bang on the Outer Banks. Actually, it was more of a splash…a big splash; a worldwide splash.

Fall on the Outer Banks is awesome. Empty beaches, warm weather, warm water, and fantastic surf. The perfect time to bring a huge surf kayaking contest to the OBX!

For 10 days, from September 29th – October 9th, the 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking were held on the Outer Banks, specifically at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, NC.

This is a huge contest. It is held every two years, and the last event was in Brazil; we are very happy that it found its way to the Outer Banks. 10 days worth of events, contestants from all over the world, a wide variety of event categories, and the Outer Banks provided some perfect conditions. The weather and waves varied a bit over the 10 day period, but there was plenty of sun, a lot of great waves, and some amazing kayaking.

I was able to make it to the event five of the ten days. It was great to see so much excitement and energy on the beach…and in the water. I couldn’t get there everyday, but I made sure to get there when all of the fickle surf ingredients lined up to throw some great waves our way. And there were plenty of gorgeous waves to go around.

I’ll let the official website of the event (http://www.worldchampionshipsofsurfkayaking.com/) offer the full recaps, including opening and closing ceremonies and list of winners, but I do want to share some of great surf kayaking highlights…and amazing OBX waves.

Sit back, kick up your feet, enjoy the scenery; the waves and kayaking are mesmerizing…and don’t forget to turn up the speakers, I think you’ll enjoy the jam from Foster the People – “Pumped Up Kicks.”

Hope to see y’all kayakers back on the OBX soon!…thanks for the show.

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report – 10.3.11 – Sunrise, Surf, & Surf Kayaking…

Posted on October 3, 2011

Outer Banks: 10.3.11 - Sunrise

Good afternoon. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Monday, October 3, 2011.

This video was shot from 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM in Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, & Nags Head.

The report is out a bit late today because it’s been a busy morning! I was up bright and early to catch the sunrise, and then headed south to Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head to catch a sunrise surf session for myself, and some video of the 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking for the report. From there, I bounced north back to the office in Kitty Hawk checking some the waves at a few surf spots.

And I must say, the morning was a success. The sunrise was gorgeous, the waves at Jennette’s Pier were about as good as can be, so the surf session was a great way to start the day, and the Surf Kayaking contest is awesome.

So, here we are in October. Happy October! One of the best months on the OBX, and it’s getting off to a great start. It feels like fall…and that’s not a bad thing. Temps dropped from the low 80′s at the end of last week to the high 60′s this weekend. While that is a pretty steep drop, it’s felt great. The sun is shining, there’s a light offshore breeze, and the water is in the 70′!

Today, and the rest of the week, will continue with much of the same; sun, upper 60′s, warm water, and empty beaches. Gotta love fall on the OBX!

The surf picked up yesterday, and it was near perfect. Chest+ waves with an offshore breeze keeping the faces nice and clean. The swell dropped a bit this morning, but Jennette’s Pier has been one of the best OBX breaks recently, and it was still in the chest+ range this morning. Perfect conditions for the 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking going on there this week.

The swell will fade today, and pick up towards the end of the week, but the current forecast doesn’t have the wind matching up. Hopefully that will change and the wind will come offshore again. Fingers crossed. We’ll keep you posted.

As for fishing, fall fishing has arrived! OBX fishing is going strong. Offshore they are catching their limits of black and yellow fin tuna. The bridges, piers, surf, and Sound are all very active with a wide variety of fish – blue fish, Spanish mackerel, spot, croakers, pompano, black drum, and as of October 1, striper season is now open on the Outer Banks!

My favorite time to be on the OBX! Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report – 9.29.11 – 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking

Posted on September 29, 2011

Outer Banks: 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Thursday, September 29, 2011.

This video was shot at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head at 7:30 AM.

I was up bright an early to head down to Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head to catch some surf and catch the opening day of the 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking. I had to hold off for a few minutes for a thunder storm to move out to sea, but it turned out to be a beautiful morning…and a beautiful day.

The sun is shining, air temps are in the 80′s and water temps at 74 degrees. This will stick with us for tomorrow, and then the weekend starts to feel like fall. Temps will drop to the high 60′s for the weekend, but plenty of sun, some good swell in the water, and temps will jump back to the upper 70′s early next week.

We have a nice offshore breeze cleaning up the waist high surf today, but the swell is fading today and tomorrow before it jumps over the weekend as Tropical Storm/Hurricane Ophelia moves through the Atlantic. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the wind will cooperate with the swell this weekend.

But the big news in the water is that the 2011 World Championships of Surf Kayaking kicks off today at Jennette’s Pier. Today is a free surf, a setup day, and the opening ceremonies. The first round of the contest starts tomorrow morning at 8 AM sharp. Hopefully the surf cooperates, but the weather and water temps should be great, so it will be a fun competition at any rate.

This is a pretty significant event. The Championships are a worldwide event, so contests are on the OBX from around the world. It is held every two years, and the last event was in Portugal. We are very excited to have such a great event on the Outer Banks. Definitely worth a trip to Nags Head if you are in the area. Jennette’s Pier is gorgeous, and this kayakers can do some amazing things in the water.

OBX fishing is going strong. Definitely settling in to some great fall fishing. Offshore is catching their limits on yellow and black fin tuna. The piers, bridges, surf, and Sound are very consistent with a wide variety of fish – speckled trout, blue fish, pompano, croaker, sea mullet, Spanish mackerel, spot, black drum. A great time to be fishing on the OBX!

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report – 9.23.11 – OBX Pro & ESA Surf Comps…

Posted on September 23, 2011

Outer Banks: Jennette's Pier - OBX Pro 2011

Good afternoon. Here’s the Outer Banks, Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Friday, September, 23, 2011.

This video was shot at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head at 11:00 AM.

Finn and I made our way to Jennette’s Pier this morning to catch not one, but two OBX surf contests taking place; the amerature ESA finals to the north of the pier, and the Outer Banks Pro to the south of the pier.

Luckily, the rain that has been in the forecast has held off, and we have a great day with sun, temps in the 80′s and water temps around 73 degrees. We should have rain on and off throughout the weekend, but hopefully the sun sticks around.

The swell has dropped a bit today, so the waves are on the small side; about waist high with some chest high sets coming through. The swell will be building back up as the day goes on, and tomorrow looks like great conditions for the contests with waves in the chest high range.

Even better, next Tuesday looks like it could be great with clean waves in the head high range…keep your fingers crossed.

OBX fishing is going strong. Tight lines all around. Offshore is catching black and yellow fin tuna, dolphin, and some bill fish. The piers, bridges, surf, and Sound are consistent with a wide variety of fish – blues, stripers, spot, croakers, pompano, black drum, some red drum, sheeps head, Spanish Mackerel.

Great time to on the beach…and catching fish…or waves!

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!