The Waiting Game
High Water and High Hopes In Cape Hatteras, NC
by Zach Weisberg
Online Editor

It took us longer to get from Wrightsville Beach, NC to Rodanthe, NC than it did to travel through the whole state of Florida. Nine hours. That includes stopping and watching photographer Patrick Ruddy walk into the women’s restroom at a diner in New Bern, NC.

We knew we were lost when our GPS told us to drive straight into a lake. We thought it wiser to ask directions so we walked into a small-town diner straight out of My Cousin Vinny and the whole place hushed over their grits while ogling a hole through our hearts. We clearly were “not from around here,” and Patrick’s soiree in the women’s bathroom didn’t help our cause.

So after being laughed at by the local New Bernians we trucked onward, hearing messages of “perfect surf down south” from Peter Mendia and Shea Lopez. The swell was reportedly huge and our adrenalin was pumping.

Until we crossed the Oregon Inlet Bridge. NC-12  slammed to a dead-halt. Miles of cars backed up along the sliver of Pea Island. Apparently the high tide washed over the island’s sole road, leaving it impassable for the time being. Jesse Hines told me later that a wave broke on top of his car by S-Turns.

“I decided to turn around at that point,” said Hines.

Like most surfers, we’re resourceful in making the best of spare time, so we took it as an opportunity to spread the stoke. Patrick and I decided to hand out some SURFER Magazines to the stranded line of traffic, and although a few gaunt fishermen jabbed funny looks at us, most of the road’s prisoners were friendly and appreciative. I felt a bit like a Jehovah’s Witness handing out literature to bide the time, but figured people could use some entertainment. After all, barrels are supposedly on the way, might as well strengthen the mind-surfing muscles.

A good three hours later as the sun cast a purple net across the sky we arrived at our destination by S-Turns. Mendia and Lopez reported that Frisco was fun, but a little funky, so we felt better about the traffic jam and mag handout session.

Exhausted and excited, were itching for waves tomorrow. Something tells me I won’t have trouble sleeping…

- Zach Weisberg
Online Editor

Photos from the drive:

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