We are all happy that we got the choice waves though. The amateurs have to skim at lower tides and in the middle of the day. Luckily it is cloudy which keeps the heat in check. And yes, the gator tail was good. Come afternoon the tide begins to creep back up and the wave quality improves.
Some guys grab surfboards and charge the shorebreak while others are happy to be skimming again.
The pro heats run again at around 5 PM in good conditions, probably the best of the contest. A frame approaches and no one seems to want it. After that wave my spirits are lifted and I am happy to be free skimming as the pro heats are finishing up. The waves continue to get better and better but there is a storm on the horizon and everyone knows it is coming our way. The contest is halted as the wind picks up to 30 mph within 2 minutes.