Remembering the Hatteras Wave Classic

Since I am currently in Hatteras I am brought back to the memory of The Wave classic tournament that was held here last year. The athleticism of the riders was so impressive.

This competition is held in September each year to utilize the hurricane swell and frontal winds that usually occur this time of year in Hatteras. The Cape Hatteras Wave Classic is a waves-focused kiteboarding event in which the riders are scored on several criteria including wave riding and freestyle components. The event is sponsored by Patagonia and is an open event / non-invitational. There is a men's and women's division. Registration fee is $100 and includes contest entry, Cape Hatteras Wave Classic event shirt, Welcome Dinner & Opening Party, Awards Dinner & Ceremony, and cash prizes for winners.

The 2017 event was insane with hurricane Jose offshore producing PUMPING conditions that were so huge they had to cancel some of the heats for the day. The event is a week long, and depending on the wind direction and conditions each day, it may be held in different areas of the island. The biggest day for last years event was held at the Lighthouse in Buxton. The storm surge was so huge that the parking lot was underwater. The wind was ranging from 25-35mph with gusts up to 40mph! There were some massive wipe outs and some near-barrels caught.

The winners of the event were Reider Decker for the men's division and Gage Fitcher for the women's. There were 24 men and 6 women entered to competing for $10,000 in prize money, which was the biggest prize purse to date. All competitors deserved recognition for charging out in these insane conditions that push the limits of strapless kitesurfing.