Surprise Summer Session

S&A team rider Max Pietrzak off the top.

Words by John Streit. Photos by Allen Harcourt.

Sure, it wasn’t pumping like it was to open the month, but surfers across the area were pleasantly surprised to see the Atlantic come to life again to close out June.

The normal background southeast swell — enhanced by a pulse of low pressure off the Carolina coast — came up just enough to enter the waist- to stomach-high range, translating to pristine summertime conditions with light morning offshores grooming the warm, green waters.

Sandbridge photographer Allen Harcourt was on the scene for the early morning action! Big thanks to him for getting up early to document the surprise shot of swell that’s got us amping for more — possibly this weekend should the first named storm of the year form in Arthur. Stay tuned!

Austin Kelley finishes off a backhand section.

S&A’s Alex Smith stylin’ before surf camp on his go-to summer fun sled: a Gnaraloo softie.

S&A and Catch Surf team rider Conner Barnes sets up for a big turn on a small wave. 1 of 2.

Conner Barnes, laid back. 2 of 2.

S&A’s Chris Presely with a reverse takeoff.

Austin Kelly on a backlit gem.