| |
Oh Those Wildwood Waves!
June’s weather patterns were certainly peculiar. Rain totals hit record highs and the sun simply was ‘missing in action!’ But on the evening of Sunday June 21st, Father’s day, a weekend of wind, rain, and thunderstorms brought unexpected turbulent tides to North Wildwood. The seawall and rock jetty on 2nd avenue became filled with a crowd of curious onlookers. Word spread amongst surfers that this location was breaking with precision, a phenomenon that occurs very seldom at best. The scene was set. The sun not yet down, tide was high, and a new moon allowed conditions to be flawless. The energy in the air was contagious. One after one, surfers launched their boards of choice into the surf. Long boards, short boards, fun boards lined up to catch the consistent wave sets rolling onto shore. Careful not to collide with the rock jetty, the surfers showed their experience and performed for their audience. Locals stated they haven’t seen the point this alive in years. Whether walking, jogging, or simply driving past, everyone found themselves stopping to see what the crowd was enjoying. Young children watched in amazement as waves crashed into the rocks and surfers walked on top of the water. A solo fisherman casted into the waters but eyes were on the surfers. Senior North Wildwood lifeguards were among the group of surfers. A father son team also caught waves together on this night. Jamie Peterson, visiting with his two daughters, stated, “what a great end to a great Father’s Day.” As the sun set, the crowd dispersed.
 |
 |
 |
Above: Jamie Peterson and his
daughters, AnnieMae and Maddie
Left: AnnieMae and surfer Mike Vanaman
after a great sunset session
Top: North Wildwood Lifeguard Bill Auty |
|
|
