Sturgis Surf Club

Water balloons

2011-06-22T05:16:00.000-07:00

These water balloons made a great impact on my son's last day of 8th grade. Students brought squirt guns, more balloons and various launching devices.

Surf has been small but fun. Great for beginning surfers.

2011-06-21T04:37:00.000-07:00

The hull should still make it out of the bulkhead doors for fiberglassing. Surfing has been good lately with small waves and little wind chop.

Best time is about 2 hours after low up to 1 hour before high tide.

Summer arrives on Cape Cod

2011-05-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a warm weekend. I found a longboarding spot where the waves peel to the right and the left. My arms are shot now. The boat is progressing slowly since the weather is much better. Just a little left to do before the hull is finished.

Strip Proa nearly complete

2011-04-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

So here's the boat being more complete. Just a few more strips to go. I'm using shorter, narrower strips to make fitting and bending easier. Maybe someday I'll learn to steam the wood for easy bending.

Check out this video link to sailing in Micronesia. It contains music so adjust speakers accordingly.

2011-03-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

This proa is pointy at both ends and will have an outrigger for stability.

The top will be partially enclosed to hold styrofoam floatation. The eighth inch hull will be glassed inside and out.

Boat in the basement

2011-03-20T09:14:00.001-07:00

I have been wanting to build a sail boat for years now and just like anything else, "if you don't start, you'll never get it done." So after years of looking at photos and designs I finally started putting wood together. It is about 15 feet long and two feed wide and deep so far. The outrigger will be attached later when the weather warms up.

Cold fun

2010-01-17T10:22:00.001-08:00

A quick visit to the beach on a winter day lets us see some alternatives to surfing in cold waters. Strong winds hitting the line of dunes diagonally give thrilling low and fast rides. John, a highly experienced paraglider, makes his way back to the launch area in this shot. He says onshore winds would put more people in the air and allow for much higher flying. In some areas, people make flights as long as 100 miles.

Think warm thoughts

2010-01-07T02:25:00.000-08:00

Snow clings to everything and low temperatures keep it there.

Think warm thoughts by creating a packing list for travel to a tropical beach.

What items would make it to the top of your priority list?

How would you spend your time there?

What steps could you take to make the most of your trip?

Snow blown dunes

2010-01-06T03:05:00.000-08:00

Frozen dunes will give way to warm powdery sands in just a few short weeks as we make our way to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Members going on this trip must get the last payments in over the next two pay periods. Reminder to all to bring extra money to cover purchases of gifts, snacks, tips and exit fees.

Think warm thoughts.

Pray for surf.

Winter days

2010-01-05T02:11:00.000-08:00

Due to the cold and general lack of sunshine, blogging about the beach tends to get neglected. December 21st delivered these nice rollers with horse heads and back spray.

Checking my email from peace corps friends led me to this site where a former volunteer now resides. Having lived in that area as a young teen, the photos stir up those old memories. My parents recall it differently stating that despite appearances, there is no paradise. Perhaps paradise is where we make it.

Morning after the storm

2009-11-17T15:12:00.000-08:00

This beautiful morning after the weekend storm shows a flattened beach and a shallow bar offshore. The waves at high tide caused slumping of the dunes and littered the beach with seaweed and huge amounts of fishing gear. New additions to my collection include three fishing floats and a huge fishing ball to make a perfect ball swing.

Every day moves us closer to our surf club trip to Costa Rica.

Patience

2009-11-11T05:52:00.000-08:00

Winds out of the northeast today bring in warm surface waters and large waves for the weekend. Good things come to those who wait.

Small but clean

2009-11-08T04:29:00.000-08:00

Small clean waves and a golden sunrise reward early risers today. Expect cooler conditions than yesterday as the surface water moves out to sea.

Yesterday's waves improved steadily throughout the day. However, the rising tide brought the break closer to shore and favored those surfers with short boards.

Cold morning but nice waves

2009-11-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

A cold morning and a west wind challenge us to suit up and charge the waves. After gathering oysters at low tide, the air has warmed up enough to get me in the ocean.

Costa Rica Trip is on!

2009-10-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Second deposit ($300) for the Costa Rica Trip needed by November 6th.
Follow the link to Witch's Rock Surf Camp.

Perfect combination

2009-10-25T06:37:00.000-07:00

Swells coming in and wind going out make a perfect combination. The strong wind plays a factor in catching some of these waves. White crest's high dunes block some of this frustrating wind. Most surfers came here today.

Apres storm

2009-10-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

Chilly waist high waves after the storm cannot deter our local surfers from an evening in the water. The frost on the ground this morning usually an end to my outdoor activities. But surf like this makes me think about a new winter wetsuit.

A man and his dog

2009-10-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

Clear your thoughts with an evening stroll along a stretch of storm flattened beach.

Surfing on Sunday Morning

2009-10-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Small surf on sunday morning draws surfers into the chilly waters off Newcomb's Hollow Beach. Surfers enjoyed long rights and occasional lefts until about 1pm. Spring for a winter suit now since the water won't get much warmer until late spring.

Newcomb's on a foggy day

2009-10-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

Small to medium waves this morning with less wind than expected makes me forget about staying in on a foggy day. Waves tend to grow larger on the incoming tide so I will be there in about an hour.

These conditions should continue through sunday.

Autumn surfing

2009-10-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

The windy weekend left us waves like these all day today and perhaps through tomorrow. People put on wetsuits and other gear as they saw fit. My 3/2 kept me warm enough.

Surfing through sunset made a perfect ending to the first monday in October.

No surfing this morning

2009-10-04T04:21:00.000-07:00

The morning brings us fog, gentle breezes from the west and small, jumbled waves. No surfing right now since the rising tide will force the little waves to break right at the shoreline. Surfing may improve by this evenings low tide.

2009-10-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

The torrential rains have moved on out to the northeast allowing people to walk the beaches in the late afternoon. Several surfers ride the waves as people gather in the parking lot to talk or to wander the beach to the sounds of waves and birds. A truly relaxing way to spend an early evening.

Surfing with friends

2009-09-29T02:53:00.000-07:00

A few photos before hitting the surf last night show the size and quality of the typical sets for this session. The 20 or so people in the water cleared out at sunset and left 5 of us to choose the best of the sets. Surfing into and past sunset on large waves thrills me.

A former student from Sturgis headed out into the surf just as I arrived in the parking lot. We got some nice rides among the regular local surfers. Having friends in the line up makes surfing so much nicer.

Prime surfcasting conditions

2009-09-27T04:49:00.000-07:00

A surfcaster in prime conditions for catching a wary bass. The churning waves stir up the baitfish and make them easy to pick off. Gulls stay grounded in this strong wind and pick through the wrack line for crabs, shrimp and stunned baitfish. A pair of hawks (kestrels most likely) chased each other over the dunes above the parking lot.

I plan to check out the waves again around noon even if it rains. The forecast calls for growing swells in the afternoon. Sounds good to me.

Tired and happy

2009-09-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

The wind died down and left us with some large waves this afternoon. After 3 hours of surfing my arms could barely paddle. The forecast calls for higher winds tomorrow, and even choppier seas. You can still find me at the beach at around noon.

Significant chop

2009-09-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

The chilly northeast wind brought significant chop with the growing waves. These conditions will remain throughout the weekend and produce great surfing for monday through wednesday.

Surf casters squint into the sun, salt and spray in their search for bass. Seals prowl the whitewater as well. Surfers wait for a change in wind direction or head to a beach where the wind is offshore.

Donuts on Wednesdays!

2009-09-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

If it's donuts, it must be wednesday. Sturgis surf club sells donuts on wednesdays to subsidize our food bill during our yearly trip. This year we return to warm clean beaches of Costa Rica's pacific coast. Tamarindo's Witch's Rock Surf School provided us with excellent accomodations, staff and instructors in a location that can't be beat. So support our club and buy a donut on wednesdays or a few slices of pizza on fridays. We appreciate all your support.

Sunset surfing

2009-09-23T02:04:00.000-07:00

Surfing in the evenings for the past three days on waves very similar to these* makes a perfect ending to our back to school days. Few things compare with relaxing in the water at sunset and having your pick of long rides on glassy waves with a few of your friends.

*This photo shows mid summer waves nearly identical to the waves this week.

Sunday morning after the bonfire

2009-09-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

Surf Club members braved the cold and enjoyed an evening of surfing, hotdogs, music and fireworks. The fire took the chill off us as the wind died down.

The next morning shows no signs of the night before. The west wind flattened the ocean. Ankle high waves beckon but few will go out.

Saturday morning at Newcomb's Hollow

2009-09-19T07:42:00.001-07:00

The wind kicked up out of the north last night causing choppy conditions. A lone surfer thumps along in the southward current. Anglers and seals catch striped bass in the surf.

The parking lot has lots of room on this windy day. An offshore breeze from the west can turn this into a perfect surfing day. As it stands, one surfer in the water speaks volumes.

Friday night line-up at Newk's

2009-09-19T04:38:00.000-07:00

Rushing home after work pays off big time for the locals here in Wellfleet. A lot of people had actually spent most of the day surfing and were already heading home. The consistent four footers made for an orderly progression through the line-up. Everyone left tired and happy by sundown.

Bonfire tonight. Bring snacks and warm clothes. I will bring extra boards and wetsuits. You can change clothes in the restroom.

Directions to Newcomb's Hollow Beach can be found online.

Follow Ocean view drive north. It ends in Newcomb's Hollow parking lot.

Newcomb's party

2009-09-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

A perfect afternoon for a party at Newcomb's Hollow. Steel drum music rolls out to the surfers as the waves roll in to the shore.

Surfing at Newcomb's in september

2009-09-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

Stand up paddlers (SUP) in the surf at Newcomb's take advantage of the large, glassy waves. Several hours surfing on a day like today puts us all in a good mood.

Newcomb's with September waves

2009-09-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

Newcomb's turned on after the fog cleared. Big, uncrowded waves and steadily improving conditions made for a fantastic surfing session.

Onshore breezes

2009-09-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday's onshore breezes made for perfect paragliding conditions at White Crest beach in Wellfleet.

The rain in the afternoon came down like cats and dogs.

Sunrise and surf at Maguire's Landing

2009-09-10T03:15:00.000-07:00

An onshore breeze kicks up waves and strews the beach with flotsam for beachcombers and dog walkers. Gulls take advantage of the uplift along the dunes as they head north to fishing areas. Paraglider season has arrived.

Strong winds blowing sand can strip the paint off your car and frost your windows in minutes. Park in sheltered areas.

Newcomb's surf fishing

2009-09-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

While setting a line at Newcombs' Hollow one morning, the gulls move in on a bait box. Everyone has high hopes.

Cruising surf blogs I ran across this short film about surfing in Ireland. It shows the power of Ireland's west coast "waves of consequence" and the few who seek them out.

This weekend the low tides fall around noon. But the forecast of east and northeast winds puts a damper on surfing prospects.

The following weekend has low tides at sunset. I predict bonfires and perhaps some of the last surfing of this season.

Chop Suey at seven

2009-09-06T04:38:00.000-07:00

Chop suey at 7. Winds at 17 knots from the north east put a damper on the surfing today. The oldtimers' surf contest will most likely go on as planned at White Crest beach.

Last night's beach bonfire could not have been better. Surfing glassy waist high waves past sunset and warming up by the fire afterwards set the tone for a great evening. Twenty groups of families, friends and passersby made a small community stretching along the beach. The rising red moon, the fires, the fireworks and groups of children with glowing necklaces chasing through the dark made for a spectacular night.

TD Danny to stir up waves in Wellfleet

2009-08-29T04:32:00.000-07:00

Tropical depression Danny passes through today with lots of wind and rain. Expect surfers to take advantage of the growing waves. Many will watch from parking lots.

Surfing promises to improve tomorrow morning as winds shift, coming out of the west.

Sunrise and lobster boat

2009-08-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

This sunrise marks another working day for lobstermen and myself. The small waves give no hint of the bad weather and high waves coming tomorrow. I will be checking them out both saturday and sunday mornings. Check the surf forecasts and come out to visit me in the morning at Newcomb's.

Newcomb's Hollow in Wellfleet at sunrise

2009-08-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

Beautiful sunrises often reward those of us who get up early to visit beaches. This day (Aug 26th) provided long rides on backlit, waist high waves to those few who arrived ready to ride them.

The previous evening brought us twilight surfing of chest to head high waves and 100 yd rides. The upper foot and a half of warm water became streaked with cold with each breaking wave. Surfing continued, lit by the setting moon and beach fires.

Did some surfers really break out the glow sticks?

Hurricane Bill passes near Wellfleet during the night

2009-08-23T04:20:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Bill came and went overnight. Wave watchers, beachcombers and dog walkers stroll along the rejuvenated beaches. Some carry items lost (or tossed) by beach goers of past years. Styrofoam, plastic items, charred wood, lumber and even some large pieces looking suspiciously like bits of shipwrecks litter the base of the dunes at the high water line. Perhaps a doubloon or two will be found.

Sturdy grasses have held their ground despite being submerged by waves overnight.

The Old Timers' Surf Contest has been cancelled today due to high surf. Tee shirts can be picked up at the White Crest parking lot at 4:30 today.

Pancakes

2009-08-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

My son and I went out very early this morning hoping that the swells had arrived. Flat as a pancake just about describes what we found. So we watched the birds and talked with some of the early risers and went home.

Later I went back and the swell had actually increased. Spent an hour talking news and trading stories and now it's time to do some work.

Waves are coming!

2009-08-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

The waves are coming! I plan to surf this evening (4-6 pm) and early tomorrow morning as well.

These low waves of August are giving way to the first storm waves of the fall. They should be well organized since they originate from distant storms.

This is the last week before most schools resume and there are lots of people on the beaches. Come and enjoy the last days of summer and ride some sweet waves.

Yet another blazing hot day to come

2009-08-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

Today looks like a replay of yesterday with small waves, a wind from the west and hot, hot sun. Bring the sunscreen, plenty of water and a lunch for a whole day at the beach.

There is talk about waves getting larger in the next couple of days due to hurricanes forming off the coast of Africa. Pray for surf.

Blazing sunrise

2009-08-16T04:45:00.000-07:00

It looks like a start to a blazing hot day here in Wellfleet. Get to the beach early to beat the heat.

There seems to be a small swell today but the west wind has eliminated the chop. The surf got better yesterday on the incoming tide.

Clear your calendars for the Old Timers' surfing contest on August 23 at White Crest beach in Wellfleet. Sign up at the Pump House in Orleans near the rotary.

Newcomb's Hollow in Wellfleet in the morning

2009-07-31T04:56:00.000-07:00

Today will be hot so the beach will fill early. The waves are knee to waist high and improved by a breeze from the west. It's a perfect day to relax by the sea and practice that pop up. Low tide is around 2pm.

Small swell with wind from southwest

2009-07-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

This morning started with a downpour and cleared up after about an hour. The wind is fairly strong from the southwest causing the roughening of the waist high swells seen here.

Surfing will be okay today starting 2 hours before low (1:00 pm). The muggy air will make the beach popular so get there before 11 for a parking spot.

Newcomb's Hollow in Wellfleet after the storm

2009-07-24T13:24:00.000-07:00

Today started with the winding down of the storm that blew through here overnight. As would be expected, the waves were disorganized and choppy. Around noon, however, the wind shifted more to the west and cleared up the surf. Many experienced surfers enjoyed 6 to 9 ft waves throughout the afternoon. This photo was taken at 4:15 after the strong north wind broke up the surf.

Sunrise at Maguire's Landing, Wellfleet

2009-07-23T04:46:00.000-07:00

Just another sunrise in Wellfleet over Maguire's Landing. The waves are good this morning but still small at 3 ft.

Morning at Newcomb's Hollow, Wellfleet

2009-07-23T04:41:00.000-07:00

Morning shot of parking lot and Newcomb's Hollow beach.

I certainly missed my wetsuit this morning but it wasn't too bad. The waves were 3-4 ft with occasional larger sets.

Windy morning at Maguire's in Wellfleet

2009-07-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

A windy morning stirs up the surf. This has turned into a chilly day of off and on rain. Just another example of the variety of weather out here on the cape.

One benefit of this weather pattern will be the increased size of wind driven waves in the near future.

Sunrise at Maguire's Landing, Wellfleet

2009-07-20T03:40:00.000-07:00

Waist high waves and a brilliant sunrise make for another great day on the beach in Wellfleet. The beaches were filled up by lunch time yesterday so if you want to get a parking spot, show up early or have someone drop you off. Yesterday's waves were good at Marconi Beach. I walked north quite a distance and was rewarded with a break all to myself. Several sets were head high or more. I am so thankful for the professional instruction over the winter at Witch's Rock Surf Camp.

Newcomb's Hollow in Wellfleet at high tide

2009-07-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

Newcomb's Hollow at high tide in the morning shows some promise of good surfing this afternoon. Get here early to get a parking spot since this is the beach to be.

Maguire's Landing, Wellfleet

2009-07-17T02:59:00.000-07:00

A calm, hazy morning in the middle of summer at Maguire's Landing. Yesterday's winds brought out some very hungry no-see-ems. I couldn't sit on the bench here for more than a minute.

The forecasts call for southern waves today and the weekend but switching southeast for monday.

Thunderstorms arrive on saturday and clear out for sunday and monday.

Maguire's Landing, Wellfleet

2009-07-16T03:55:00.000-07:00

Early morning at Maguire's Landing in Wellfleet. The waves are flat and it looks like it will be hot with very little breeze. I've been surfing without a wetsuit lately and it's been comfortable. Too bad there are no waves today.

Newcomb's Hollow in Wellfleet at low tide

2009-07-16T03:50:00.000-07:00

Small sets at Newcomb's Hollow

Maguire's Landing, Wellfleet

2009-07-16T03:47:00.000-07:00

Another day made for the beach.

July 11th, 2009

Morning at Maguire's landing in Wellfleet

2009-07-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

People arrive at 8am to a beautiful day on the beach. The waves are perfect for beginners and there is a slight chill in the air.

Morning after a big seabreeze in Wellfleet

2009-07-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

Strollers pick their way through the seaweed and other flotsam that litter the outer beaches. This shot shows the beach cut from about two weeks ago (up against the dune) and the new one from last night. The continuing strong east wind should build waves until the weekend. A west wind will make for nice surfing conditions.

Rain and surf at Maguire's Landing in Wellfleet

2009-07-08T04:08:00.000-07:00

It's windy and rainy here at Maguire's Landing. The waves should grow with with the windy weather and surfing should improve if the wind blows from the west.

Wellfleet, Newcomb's Hollow Beach

2009-07-07T07:26:00.001-07:00

The wind from the south is chopping up what's left of yesterday's small waves. I caught a few on my longboard just to get wet and to practice pop ups. The south wind grew steadily and made for difficult surfing. Better luck tomorrow.

Sunrise on a flat morning at Maguire's Landing

2009-07-06T02:44:00.000-07:00

It's nice to have a crystal clear morning to view the sunrise. More people than I would have expected arrived to see it. This is my parting shot from the parking lot.

The water is flat and the breeze is slight from the west. This is a perfect day for getting outside and enjoying Cape cod.

Brilliant morning

2009-07-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

Several couples enjoy a calm morning at Maguire's. The waves have been beaten down by the west wind. Nobody is surfing yet and most will simple enjoy the sun and cool breezes today.

Dawn patrol at Newcomb's

2009-07-04T04:16:00.001-07:00

Nice waist high sets coming in against a comfortable west wind. Newcomb's had about 10 surfers in the water with 4 more getting ready in the parking lot. Expect a crowded session this afternoon. Can you blame people for wanting to surf in these conditions?

One surfer had the beach to himself at White Crest. Same conditions as at Newcomb's but three different bars to choose from.

Foggy morning beach

2009-07-03T04:58:00.000-07:00

A handful of cars in the lot but only one fisherman to be seen. This photo of a deserted foggy beach shows some 3-4 ft swells, a lifeguard stand and scattered seaweed in the lee of a gradually returning summer berm.

A foggy evening at maguire's.

2009-07-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

A south west wind is bringing the fog with it. I took 40 pictures today and chose this because of the symmetry.

Surprisingly, at 7:00 pm families are still playing and couples are still walking on the beach.

These waves are 3-4 feet high and not well formed.

Thunderstorms today chased people off the beach and into the stores and cinemas.

Beach and fog

2009-07-01T04:38:00.000-07:00

View from the parking lot at Maguire's landing gives you an idea of the thickness of the fog today. It's quiet except for the crashing of the waves on the beach. It's July 1st and the cool, damp weather can't stop some people from fishing, walking dogs and jogging.

Thick fog at Maguire's

2009-06-30T04:04:00.001-07:00

The fog was so thick this morning that photographing the surf was futile. The density of the fog can be estimated by the quick disappearance of posts in the meadow. Nobody is out in this fog but a pair of fishermen working the surf.

Surf report indicates improving surf for today and tomorrow. Take a day off and have some fun.

Perfect day for surfing

2009-06-30T03:58:00.000-07:00

People spent hours surfing these glassy waist to chest high waves on monday. Early surfers had the beach to themselves because of the rain. That rain left by 11:30 (low tide) and the sun popped out to finish off a glorious day of surfing.

Foggy morning and beach erosion

2009-06-28T03:56:00.000-07:00

Looking north from Maguire's Landing, you can see the beach cut at the base of the dunes. The flat section of beach leads to a berm on the right which should gradually move towards the dunes and reestablish the normal summer beach shape.

Today's fog and northern wind will keep the beach cooler than normal so bring a light jacket.

Morning barrels

2009-06-27T04:24:00.000-07:00

I love the sight of 3 foot barrels in the morning....

I'll be at Newcomb's from 11 to 2.

Hope to see you there.

Looking like a good surfing day

2009-06-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

Today is another brilliant day for surfing. The waves are smaller and the wind is from the west. The water is cool so remember your wetsuit. Forget about gloves and booties. Great for beginning surfing. Remember to use sunscreen.

A brilliant day for surfing

2009-06-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

Thursday was awesome! Big glassy waves and thrilling rides were there for everyone. This is a shot after the fog burned off. I got sunburned.

A foggy morning after the storms

2009-06-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

The wind has died down a bit and the fog covers the cape. The sand eroded over the past few days is now spread flat over a beautiful clean beach. There a lots of people venturing out to the beach to view the damage and collect stuff brought in on the tide. The waves are still jumbled so no surfing today. Perhaps I will go fishing at high tide.

Storm wave beach cut

2009-06-23T06:13:00.000-07:00

Storm waves took away 3 to 5 feet of surface sand along the beach at Maguire's landing.

Notice the lifeguard stand was toppled and broken in half.

The worst of the storm has passed and people will be back enjoying the beach when the wind calms down.

Surfers get prepared. Surf fishing should also be good.

Noreaster on the beach

2009-06-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

Monday morning noreaster turns the surf to white water and erodes about 2 vertical feet off the beach. Some of the sand is blown up onto the dunes but most is carried out to sea to form or alter the sand bars. This may significantly change surfing conditions for the rest of the summer. Check back for more photos over the next few days.

North wind at Maguire's landing

2009-06-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

Big waves are chopped up by winds out of the north. Only a few people walking the beach.

Surf forecast always looks great 4 days out. We just wait and see.

Take a look at these south pacific barrel rides. It's a video so check your volume.

Low gray clouds on beach

2009-06-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day at the beach. Light breezes and temps in the high 60s made this one of the best days all week to get out to the beach. I had work to do but eventually got there.

High winds from the ocean are expected for the next few days with light west wind on wednesday. These long range forecasts have not been very reliable so check them daily.

2009-06-19T04:23:00.000-07:00

Wet and rainy today with some improving surf conditions over yesterday.

Tomorrow celebrates international surfing day at Newcomb's Hollow. But the weather will work against the otherwise crowded conditions to be expected.

2009-06-18T04:51:00.000-07:00

Although more organized than yesterday, this morning's surf still has some chop in it. Not the washing machine conditions of yesterday so get ready to surf. Weather today calls for rain moving in from the west.

2009-06-17T03:09:00.000-07:00

Nearly windless this morning and the waves generated yesterday are pounding the beach. The swells are still disorganized but are close to head high.

Today is shaping up to be a great beach day. But check the forecast anyway.

Low tide is in the early afternoon and will be an hour later each day.

Gray breezy tuesday

2009-06-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

A strong sea breeze builds waves and pushes low clouds on a morning that doesn't feel like summer at all. A lobster boat hugs the coastline while tending its pots. This is a tough occupation.

It's days like these that provide the larger waves which are so much fun to surf.

In the absence of surfable conditions, look up virtual surfing. Not nearly as fun but may develop into sumething later.

I will probably be surfing on monday in the morning. Check conditions daily.

2009-06-15T03:34:00.000-07:00

A sea breeze brings fog and small waves to Maguire's landing this morning.

A look at the forecast tells us that increasing winds from the east will bring bigger waves. Then the wind will die down on saturday for nice surfing conditions. This forecast is changeable so keep checking back.

Congratulations on your first day of summer vacation! Now get out there and make the most of it.

2009-06-14T04:17:00.000-07:00

Today is overcast and drizzly with an east wind roughing up the water a bit. The surf will still be rideable for the few who will be out there.

Conditions were much better yesterday with waves between waist and head high. The north east breeze never really materialized as predicted in weather report so those who came to surf had better than expected conditions.

I surfed a heavy glass longboard from the 1960s and caught some awesome rides. Then switched to a lighter plastic pop-out with a leash and still had nice rides.

Most people had 3/2 wetsuits and were quite comfortable. Today's east wind will blow some warm surface water to the coast and make it nicer in the water and on the beach.

2009-06-13T03:28:00.000-07:00

This is a nice shot of the small sets coming in at Newcomb's Hollow. The wind is very light from the north and it looks like a very good day to get out on long boards and splash around. Wellfleet is not checking stickers yet so come on out and enjoy a day at the beach.

2009-06-12T03:12:00.000-07:00

Foggy morning shore break is setting up for a nice morning session. These waves are waist high for the most part and fairly clean due to the shift in winds which are coming from the SW. Not worth calling in sick for though.

Planning on surfing tomorrow but the forecast is saying NE winds. This will probably create choppy waves and poor surfing conditions. :(

Swell Watch is a satellite view of the beaches in Hawaii.

2009-06-11T03:29:00.000-07:00

The onshore breeze this morning is continuing to build up the waves to about chest high or more. The flag, clouds, choppy surf and seaweed on the beach all indicate a sea breeze. This will all clear up when the wind swings around to offshore on saturday morning.

Sick day surf shop in wellfleet rents wetsuits for $25/day and you can pick them up at the end of the previous day if you want to surf before they open.

2009-06-10T03:39:00.000-07:00

Very foggy today and the wind is from the east. So waves are building to waist high but are a but mushy as you can see. Still good for surfing though.

2009-06-09T03:03:00.000-07:00

Sunrise with calm waves.

Winds from the southeast are light and have little potential to produce waves. Surf forecast is flat for the next week.

Sunday was excellent surfing with waist to head high glassy waves and an offshore breeze. I had many waves to myself as surfers left to eat dinner or drive home to places off cape.

If you haven't been surfing in a while, make some time to do push ups and practice dry land pop ups. It will pay off when the waves come back.

2009-06-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

Surfing at Newcomb's Hollow is a blast. I surfed from 5 to 7 in glassy waist to head high waves with a steadily dwindling number of surfers. I left as the tide grew higher and took this photo before driving home.

My pop-up is getting better and so is my attention to surf etiquette.

2009-06-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

The fog burned off and it's a beautiful morning. The tide is high but the wind is from the west and the swells are about waist high. Perfect conditions for surfing in the late afternoon.

At least a dozen surfers were in the water at Newcomb's Hollow. So make plans to surf if you can.

2009-06-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

It's about noon and the fog is burning off. A sea breeze is chopping up the water but building waves as well. It will be nice surfing when the wind turns to offshore.

If the surfing is bad, I'll be clamming.

2009-06-05T03:31:00.000-07:00

Waist high waves break over a submerged bar outside Maguire's Landing. This overcast will hopefully burn off by afternoon and warm up the cape. Looking forward to a little surfing this weekend. Happy friday to all of you.

Cool start today

2009-06-04T03:04:00.000-07:00

56 degrees and drizzle from the southwest will be improving later today. Small swell may get some surfers in the water later this afternoon.

Walk on the beach

2009-06-03T03:02:00.000-07:00

A good day to walk on the beach if you get there early. Rain expected this evening may affect Sturgis field day. Looking forward to Jeff's barbecue for lunch. Surf forecast for the weekend looks promising for sunday. An important part of surfing is getting to your feet quickly. Work on your pop ups and get more time on the waves.

2009-06-02T02:39:00.000-07:00

People wake up early to see the sunrise these days. A couple were waiting on the bench when I arrived and went for a stroll along the beach after sunrise.

Surf is flat and wind is from southeast. No trace of the spectacular surf seen last weekend. It seems like the surf changes as fast as the weather in New England.

2009-06-01T02:33:00.000-07:00

Cool brilliant sunrise. The ocean breeze from the northeast brings a little chop to the water and makes for good surf fishing. The gulls use the uplift to make their way along the dunes in search of fish. A fisherman works a jig through the water and a seal keeps its distance.

Yesterday's surf was excellent in the morning and roughened as the wind picked up in the afternoon. Two alumni (Josh and John) stopped by on their way to Newcomb's Hollow. They got nice long rides and lots of room to surf. They plan to surf Newcomb's even more this summer.

Sunrise and a beautiful day ahead

2009-05-31T04:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's fog did burn off and surfers were getting nice rides on sometimes head-high waves. Today will be the same with low tide an hour later (noon thirty). I'm sore from 3 hrs paddling but may make it to the beach again after my chores.

Bring sunblock (seriously) if you go to the beach today. The sand bars are more developed at Newcomb Hollow beach about 2 miles north of Maguire's Landing. More surfers are there but there is a lot of room for everyone.