Wow, awesome conditions for a long weekend of Hatteras wavesailing, Jammer style!!  The Hatteras Wave Jam Fall Tropical Edition included two solid days of wind and surf along with an extended Monday sesh which was off the charts!!  Talk about a major score for those visiting Hatteras for the Wave Jam 2009!  Congrats to all who made it out for the event!

As for coverage, we have over 2000 images shot from the event and will be reviewing them soon.  Stay tuned!  As for coverage out there now, see:

Live2Sail
Hatteras Wave Jam Day One
Beast of the East Wave FaceOff (nice blogger gathering pic as well!)
Hatteras Wave Jam Day Two

Lost In Hatteras
Wave Jam 2009!
Wave Jam, Take 2!

Bill's OBX Beach Life
Hatteras Wave Jam Tropical Edition Scored!
Hatteras Wave Jam Extended!! What a SCORE!!

The WaterTurtle
Windy with a Chance of Stoke (Hatteras Wave Jam)

Many thanks to all the participants, coordinators, photographers, and event sponsors! All deserve a round of online brews!!

The HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam Fall Tropical Wave Edition has been scheduled! The event window is planned for September 25-27 and includes:
- Jam Clinic - Wavesailing 101, hosted by Sailworld Cape Hatteras' Andy McKinney (Friday, Sept 25, 7:00pm)
- 2nd annual Beast of the East Wave FaceOff - competitive event, location TBD (date window: Sept 25 - 27)

Fingers are crossed for some "tropical influence" during the Jam window! Bring on the wind and waves!

Event Hotline: 703-969-30Five7

Well, the Day Two forecast fell out with weak WSW winds at Ramp 34, though the surf was up!  George, Ken, Keith, and Ian slogged out to catch a few bumps of the swell, though the rising tide kept the breaking sections to a minimum.  If only we had the wind from Day One with the surf from Day Two?!  Oh well, that's Hatteras! 

Coverage:

• Live2Sail

Stay tuned for perhaps another Summer Edition window if we see a promising weekend forecast, or still hopefully a strong summer Bermuda High!

Looking ahead to the upcoming Fall season, the HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam Fall Tropical Wave Edition has been scheduled! Be here Sept 25 - 27 for both the Jammer Wave Clinic, and Second Annual Beast of the East Wave FaceOff competitive event!

Wow!!  The SW wind really ratcheted up at Ramp 34, and though the waves were near non-existent, there were plenty of ramps for fun jumps and big loops!  We had a killer turnout for Day One with two sailors experiencing their first session in the ocean!  Both guys had an excellent time and will remember their first session oceanside in Hatteras for some time. 

Coverage:

• Live2Sail
• more Live2Sail
• Lost in Hatteras
• Triad Windsurfing

Next, is Day Two tomorrow.  The forecast is excellent with strong mid/upper-20 mph SW wind forecast all day, and likely some surf out there too!!

Jammer's Meeting at Sailworld at 11:00am.  Be there and join the oceanside HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam Summer Edition FUN!  We will also have a BBQ and cool prizes courtesy of our sponsors at the beach camp!

See you there!!

We have an excellent weekend forecast for windy weather on the OBX!!   (July 17, 18)

Its not quite the 5 to 10 day stretch of Bermuda High conditions; however, a strong stalling weather front should produce plenty of SW Hatteras action!  We will plan two days of Freeform with afternoon sessions starting at 12:00pm and lasting through the evening.  Festivities will include Freeform wavesailing, and beach day camping. Saturday will feature the addition of a beach cookout and sponsor prize giveaways!  We are lining up for an excellent SW windy windsurfing weekend!  Pack up tonight and hit the road...  its going to be a great time for all!

Jammers' meeting at Sailworld in Avon at 11:00am both Friday and Saturday.  From Sailworld we will "caravan" out to the spot!  If you miss the meeting, contact Andy at Sailworld for directions.

UPDATE:

Ramp 34, just north of Avon will be the location for the two day
Jammer Freeform window.  The break is located about 400 yards north of
the Ramp.  Festivities are set to begin at 2:00pm each afternoon.

An 11:00am check-in at Sailworld is scheduled to help gauge who will
be participating and plan beach grill'n and beverage estimates planned
for Saturday (7/18).

See you at the Beach Camp!

June came and went with no strong Bermuda High setup for the OBX.  Thus we did not schedule a Wave Jam Summer Edition Freeform sesh during the month.  Stay tuned however, as we are hopeful that July will come though for a strong BH setup.  The entire US East Coast is overdue for some consecutive days of summer windy weather...hopefully we will see it in July! 

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the second half of September for the Hatteras Wave Jam Fall Edition!  The focus will be tropical season wave sailing, and will feature both freeform sessions, wave clinic, and the second annual Beast of the East Wave FaceOff wave competitive event!

The tentative window for the Beast of the East Wave FaceOff(Sept 24 - 28)!

We are 10 days into June patiently awaiting a forecast Bermuda High.  The classic summer wind generator has been elusive so far, but hopefully one will park offshore in the near future!  Stay tuned to the WindGuru Hatteras Forecast, along with iWindsurf!  Also be sure to check back here for the official announcement of the Hatteras Wave Jam Summer Edition event window. 

Interested in an official Wave Jam 2009 t-shirt?!  Check out the merchandise page for details and online ordering!  Help support the HWFS and future Hatteras windsurfing events by sporting one of these cool editions to your windsurfing apparel quiver!

We had the photos under wraps for a little over a week pending print mag review.  Following the review some of the remaining images have been built into a Slide and are now available here!

Photographers: Janis Markopoulos and Lane DuPont

Could not make it for Hatteras Wave Jam 2009, perhaps you simply need another shirt for a friend or loved one, or its just a rad shirt and you want one?!

The HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam 2009 T-shirt is now available though online ordering!  Help support this as well as future HWFS events by adding this rad shirt to your collection!  Check out the new merchandise page for details and online ordering.  The 2009 t-shirt is 100% cotton and comes in two colors:  Storm Grey and Cobblestone.  Its a killer shirt to add to your windsurfing apparel inventory!  Supplies are limited so order yours today!

Its Memorial Day weekend and the kickoff to the summer season in Hatteras!  The Hatteras Wave Jam 2009, Summer Edition is on tap for the upcoming month of June.  The Summer Edition will focus on the famous Hatteras summer wind generator, the Bermuda High.  Stay tuned to the upcoming forecasts, and when a strong Bermuda High locks in place, the Hatteras Wave Jam 2009, Summer Edition will launch!  The focus of the Summer edition will be Freeform sessions which provide "windsurfing safari" style opportunities for visiting participants.  Your local HWFS wavesailing tour guides will take you to the best wavesailing breaks ranging from Pea Island to Hatteras Inlet depending upon wind direction and sandbar setup.  Participation points will be scored based upon the Freeform format outlined in the previous post.

We also have a bunch of cool prizes to give away donated by our windsurfing industry sponsors for participating registrants!  Come out to Hatteras this summer, join a Freeform session, sail in the warm winds/water, and chill out afterward with a cold brew and fun camaraderie on the beach!  Maybe take home a cool prize too?!  Also, if Keith has his grill in the trailer, perhaps a beach cookout!

Fun times is the key for the Hatteras Wave Jam 2009, Summer Edition!

See you out here this summer!

If you are wondering about how the HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam is scored, this is the post for you.  Basically its a points accumulation venue spanning multiple scoring sessions throughout the year.  Sessions are set within event windows, or timeframes within given months.  Registrants score points by participating in events and/or placing within the given venue. 

There are basically two types of venues associated with competitive sessions:

1. Freeform - Open sailing session where scoring is based upon how participants perform on the water.  There is no sheet scoring, but rather subjective results based upon how fellow participants rate each other both seen on the water as well as in photography.
2. Heats - Structured sailing sessions based upon predetermined participant grouping which includes individual and teams.  Team grouping includes one "Pro/Expert" teamed with one or more "Amateurs."  Heats Include sheet scoring to identify participant attempt/completion of scorable riding elements (windsurfing tricks, finesse, wave size, etc...).  Scoring tracks both quantitiy and quality of scorable elements.

Determination of Freeform vs. Heat format is dependent upon scheduled sessions as well as participation numbers.  Heat fomat requires a minimum of 6 participating (registered) sailors.

Scores are tracked on the who's in? page which includes both current score as well as place ranking.  A multiplier will be applied to each score based upon participant home town distance from Avon, NC.  Distance values will be obtained from MapQuest.  Therefore, if you live in Canada and participate only in one event, your score will be adjusted to factor the likelyhood that this single event will likely be the only one you attend.

Over Columbus Day weekend in Oct, all scores will be finalized and the overall event leaders will be determined.  An Awards party will celebrate the year of the Hatteras Wave Jam, and recoginze the leading participants though sponsor prizes and event awards.  Of course dibbs for being the "Winner of Hatteras Wave Jam 2009" will be sweet!!  

Hatteras Wave Jam, Summer Edition is approaching in June and focuses on the Bermuda High.  The window will be announced based upon the forecast setup of a typical strong Bermuda High within the month of June.  Through the remainder of Hatteras Wave Jam 2009, the focus will center on wavesailing.  There remain plenty of sessions to accumulate points, therefore stay tuned for the June window, sign up, if you havent already, and get out here to get your Jam on!!

Hatteras scored again with another excellent weekend of windy weather across the islands!  The May window featured LoopClinic 102 this past Friday along with the Jammer LoopOff on Saturday.  Due to a required change in venue location due to the closure of Cape Point, the LoopOff was moved to Ramp 27 between Avon and Salvo.  A solid barreling wave at Ramp 27 and lighter wind conditions switched the venue from an aerial focus to wavesailing.  Though loops were definitely bonus points!  Andy McKinney scored top pick for wavesailng finesse during the sesh.  See who's in for the current points standing and rankings.

All in all, it was an excellent time both in the water and on the beach.  Sunny skies, fun surf, warm water/air made for a perfect Hatteras Wave Jam experience!  Be sure to check out the following blogs for their reports:

• OBX Beach Life
• Lost in Hatteras
• Live 2 Sail

We have a ton of photography from the event and are saving the "good stuff" for print mag editorial review; however, here is a taste of the action and festivities:

The HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam, Jammer LoopOff weekend is just a few days away!  The WindGuru long term forecast is looking better every day with more yellow stars aligning for Saturday and Sunday!  We may have a very "looplicious" weekend in store for Hatteras!

If you are interested in getting loopy at the LoopOff, be sure to register for the Hatteras Wave Jam!  Also be sure to check into the event forum for up to the minute details for session location and times.  Registration will also get you on the email list for specific info regarding the LoopOff.

Also, we have LoopClinic 102 hosted by Sailworld's Andy McKinney scheduled for Friday, May 15 starting at 7:00pm.  The clinic will focus on loop takeoff, rotation control, and landing among other topics.  The clinic is a follow on to LoopClinic 101 hosted in April.

All in all, it has been jammin here on the OBX for weeks with more windy days than we can count!  Water is warmed up as well, so conditions feel more like June as compared to May.  Ahhhh, spring-time  windsurfing in Hatteras!!  

The HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam, Jammer LoopOff is 10 days away (May 15-17)!  Beginning May 15 and lasting though the weekend, the LoopOff will be the spectator event of the Hatteras spring windsurfing season.  Stay tuned for updates here as well as at the OBX Beach Life forum for the latest info regarding LoopOff location and times.  Though note if SW wind is forecast, the event will begin at 2:00pm and the two prime locatations are Ramp 34 just north of Avon, or Lifeguard Beach at the end of the road which passes the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.  If conditions are NE, the prime location will be Old Lighthouse beach where the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse previously stood.  Any variation in schedule will be noted here or on the forum.  Be sure to check the where/when page for a detailed area map of the OBX and related event spots!

Additionally, we also have LoopClinic 102 hosted by Sailword Cape Hatteras' Andy McKinney.  The clinic will begin at 7:00pm Friday night, May 15.  The focus is advanced loop topics such as takeoff, rotation control, landing, and other elements of sticking a clean FWD! 

Its another FUN and action packed OBX weekend supported by the HWFS.  Keep the fingers crossed for windy weather!

PS:  Looks like plenty of LoopOff practice over the coming days with strong SW in the forecast!

until the next sesh!

The HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam LoopClinic 102 and Jammer LoopOff competitive event are on tap for next month!  LoopClinic 102 will focus on refining the loop though instruction, tips, and tricks related to takeoff, rotation control, and landing.  Those who have made the commit and are looking to stick their first loop are the key audience; however, anyone interested in looping, even if you have not made the commit yet, are recommended to attend!  The clinic is currently scheduled for FRIDAY, May 15, starting at 7:00pm at Sailworld in Avon (reset to original date per recommendations from registered participants).

The Jammer LoopOff will be the spectator event of the Spring season!  The LoopOff will showcase "aerial artistry" Hatteras-style and feature an assortment of classes and heats for points scoring competition.  The event window is currently scheduled for May 15 -17. 

Congratulations to Donald Obst who took home the new GoPro Wide Angle Helmet Hero as the lead scorer in the Jammer Fast 8 Race!  Donald both finished first in two out of three heats, and scored bonus points for duck jibes at the rounding markers!  Great job Donald, and have fun with the GoPro!

Stay tuned for the first post noting the HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam Summer Edition. The Summer Edition will focus on the "Bermuda High" and a fluid window will set events within scope of SW warm windy days associated with this prime summertime Hatteras wind generator!

HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam 2009 Jammer Fast 8 Racing continues!  We had a successful race day yesterday, though the winds were not Jammer fast, it was a fun time for all participants.  We have more racing scheduled including another round beginning today at 5:00pm.  The course is set up at Island Creek behind OceanAir.  See Stewart Proctor at OceanAir for details.  

As an added incentive for the Jammer Fast 8 Racing window, the top points scorer will take home a new GoPro Wide Angle Helmet Hero digital video camera!!  We will tentatively continue to run heats this week, wind permitting!  If you have not signed up yet for the HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam, and you are here this week, sign up to be in the running for the new GoPro!!

Sunday Race Action:

The HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam 2009 Jammer Fast 8 Race is scheduled for Sunday, April 19 starting at 3:00pm.  Skippers meeting at the OceanAir parking lot to set heat participants and outline race rules.   20 mph wind minimum per iWindsurf Avon Sound wind meter.

The Fast 8 Race is a figure 8 slalom course set up for short distance fast jibing.  Wave gear, race gear, or slalom gear will work since speed is not the winning solution, but rather jibing ability and stamina.  If you have particpated in Fast 8 racing in the past, its an extremely fun racing format, especially with moderate to strong wind.  Sunday's afternoon forecast looks great for racing with building SW though the afternoon.

If the forecast does fizzle, Monday is the backup with even stronger SW wind in the forecast!  If you like fun, fast, jibe intensive racing, be sure to register for the Hatteras Wave Jam, and meet us at OceanAir on Sunday afternoon!  The Jammer Fast 8 Race is the first HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam 2009 competitive scoring event!

HWFS Wave Jam News:
Avon Sail House is hosting a Wave Jam party Friday night, April 24.  Festivities will begin at 7:00pm!  Definitely do not miss this event!

Andy M mid-loop, Canadian Hole, 2009
photo: S Ostiguy

The HWFS Hatteras Wave Jam 2009 begins tonight at 7:00pm with the Jam Clinic - FWD Loop 101.  Andy McKinney from Lost in Hatteras will highlight tips, techniques, tricks, and motivation to overcome the commit hurdle, and go for the spin!  Fellow local loopers will also be in attendance.  The Clinic marks the kickoff for Hatteras Wave Jam 2009, and the Spring "Aerial Artistry" Edition!  Be there tonight for some loop motiviation and tips along with a few cold brews!

The HWFS also welcomes two new sponsors for the Series!  Epic Sessions TV and Atlantic Coast Cafe!  Welcome aboard!

In other Wave Jam news, Avon Sailhouse is planning an event shop party in late April.  Stay tuned for info including specific date and time.

Spring is here, its windy right now, and I am going sailing shortly!!  See you out there!

Andy M mid-loop, Ego Beach, 2009
photo: Y Bagdasaryan

2009 is the year to FWD loop, and the Hatteras Windsurfing Festival Series, Hatteras Wave Jam Spring edition focuses on this windsurfing endeavour as part of the "aerial artistry" feature.  Tons of emails, poll results, and personal goals have been presented and we are answering the call by offering TWO Loop Clinics this Spring.  Both clinics will be hosted by Sailworld and feature Lost in Hatteras' Andy McKinney, along with fellow local spinning regulars.  

The April/May Spring Schedule is as follows:

1. Jam Clinic - FWD Loop 101 (THURSDAY, April 16, 7:00pm; Sailworld, Avon) - Focus on preparation and instruction pertaining to the loop commit.  Feature usable advice and tips for breaking the infamous mental barrier.
2. Jam Clinic - FWD Loop 102 (May 15, Sailworld, Avon) - Focus on the loop itself including launch, rig and body positioning, rotation control, and landing.
3. Jammer LoopOff - competitive event (May 15 - 17, location TBD)

Throughout the Spring season, on the water motivation and informal instruction will also be available for those who need that extra push to make the commit.  We had two successful commiters in 2008, who will smash the barrier in 2009? 

Come on out to the islands, enjoy your windsurfing stay..., and when crossing north over Oregon Inlet on your return home, feel the confidence of your first FWD Loop commit/rotations THIS year in Hatteras!  The Hatteras Windsurfing Festival Series Team wants you to be successful, and what better venue than accomplishing it during Hatteras Wave Jam 2009!

See you in a spin!

PS:  Jammer Fast 8 Race competitive event (April 17 - 20, OceanAir, Avon)  - Get bonus points for race LOOPs!

Hatteras wavesailing
photo: P Lewando

Hatteras Windsurfing Festival Series is a new Hatteras windsurfing event organization group dedicated to encourage aspiring wave sailors, aerial artists, and freestyliers. The event goals are to provide a competitive, yet fun venue for intermediate to seasoned windsurfers to both learn and showcase their best moves!

2009 will feature the Hatteras Wave Jam. The Wave Jam will combine the best of the 2008 Hatteras Loop and Wave Fest(s) into a single, fun for all windsurfing oceanside jamboree! The Hatteras Wave Jam will feature instructional clinics, parties w/awesome prize giveaways, freeform sessions, and competitive Jam sessions. Clinics and parties will be hosted by local windsurfing shops and related businesses.

The Hatteras Wave Jam will kickoff April 17 with an opening party/FWD Loop 101 hosted by Sailworld Cape Hatteras in Avon.

Upcoming Hatteras Wave Jam Spring season scheduled events include:

1. Jammer Fast 8 Race competitive event (April 17 - 20 location OceanAir, Avon)
2. Jam Clinic - FWD Loop 102 (Fri, May 15 - Sailworld, Avon)
3. Jammer LoopOff competitive event (May 15 - 17 location TBD)

Coordination of session locales will be set though the OBX Beach Life Forum. Simply check the forum for where the action is happening on any given windy day.  Register online, show up, rig up, and be ready to JAM!

For more information, sponsorship, or to get involved, contact: Bill Bell

Additional information resources:

• OBX Beach Life Forum
• Bill's OBX Beach Life
• Lost in Hatteras

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sign up today!