Midweek Peaks - Outer Banks Surf Photography

Words by John Streit. Photos by Mickey McCarthy, Jon Carter & Jennifer Phan.

As we look forward to a week of solid Nor’easter swell, we don’t have to look too far into the past to see the last time the mighty Atlantic provided local surfers with a veritable barrel fest. A trough of low pressure dove down across the region to send a solid pulse of northeast swell to the Outer Banks. Unusual for this time of year, there was nearly no wind behind the advancing front, making for sheet glass conditions across the normally windswept beaches. Behind the push of the full moon’s incoming tides, the afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 3 saw surf reach the head-high-plus zone with plenty of power. The conditions overachieved what was predicted by surf forecast, which is always a pleasant surprise, especially if you commit to a day of sandbar searching. With more surf and favorable offshore winds in the current forecast, we’re pumped to see what images the next few days hold. Until then, enjoy our latest gallery of Outer Banks surf photography.

The lack of wind and warm air temperatures created fog banks along the coast. Photo: McCarthy.

S&A team rider Tyler Balak was all over this swell, driving through pits and blasting huge turns. Here's one of his many tube rides. 1 of 3. Photo: Phan.