Robbins Report

Waitin' on the perfect wave

Catch a Cape wave

Photos by Peter Robbins

No, it's not Waikiki and those aren't harbor seals.  Just a couple of brave souls (who probably should be at work) waitin' on the perfect wave at Nauset.

This was the scene at Nauset Beach in Orleans on the oceanside of the Cape yesterday.   The water temperature is starting to dip but avid surfers (wind, board and kite) are still eager to catch that perfect wave.

With air temperatures nearly matching the water's bite, the hearty were catching some big waves at Nauset Beach today. The nine dedicated souls didn't have to wait long.  The conditions were perfect and the random waves were large and deafening as they crashed on the beach.

There were some excellent rides and some spectacular wipeouts with an audience of some fifteen people oohing and ahhing as these hardcore entertainers waited for the perfect one to show itself on the horizon.  Some waited longer than others and the patience of one pair paid off.  They caught a monster and rode it all the way in, with accolades from peers and spectators alike.

Surfing is some serious business these days, both in the water and on the web.  Although surfers can still rely on the drive-to-the-beach-check-out-the-waves method, many websites cater to the surfer who prefers to start his wave watch from the comfort of his or her keyboard. 

Favorite local surf shops such as Nauset Sports in Orleans and Sickday Surf Shop in Wellfleet not only have the gear surfers need, but they also sponsor wave watches on their sites.  Nauset Sports even offers a daily surf report if you call 508-255-4742 ext. 3.

So enjoy the beach while the waves are high, the sun's still shining and the autumn air is crisp and clean.