Surf: General: Heading south from the Rodanthe Pier you can drive on through to Waves. Any town with a name like this needs to be checked out. You might want to stop at the KOA campground, which was the best spot on the island for years. It attracted so many tourists one summer, locals aptly named it "Kooks of America." These beaches have the potential to house the most playful sandbars of the summertime. Sheet glass, thin-lipped magic, almost like a smokin' California beachbreak. It's happened before so if you are feeling lucky, give it a go.

Next is Salvo. Similar to other zones along the Outer Banks the sand comes and goes so you'll do right checking a few spots to see what might be working. Parking can be a bit of an issue in some of the neighborhoods so tread lightly, especially during the summer months. There is a shipwreck at the south end of town that has worked in the past if you are up to date with your latest tetanus shot.

South of Salvo there are several ramps that are pretty desolate, especially in the offseason. This is where the four-wheel drive fun begins -- as long as there are no turtle or bird closures. Mind the laws, get a permit, then let a bit of air out of your tires (drop them to about 17 lb) in case the sand is softer than expected, and go find yourself a wave. You can motor for miles, park in front of your own private peak, set up a rod, toss your pup a Frisbee, go for a surf and feel like a superhero on your private little cloud. This is the kind of Outer Banks experience that's been romanticized for years by writers, artists and storytellers. It's a very tangible dream. Tides: All tides depending on the sand. Size: Head high-overhead+ Wind: West for Waves, Northwest OK for Salvo Swell: S, SE, NE Bottom: Sand and shipwrecks. Paddling: Depends on the swell -- south swells can be treadmills. Spot Rating: It comes and goes -- check a few spots to see how the sand looks. Access: Salvo is tough but there is an access south of town. For Waves you can normally find parking on any of the streets, just make sure you pull all the way off the road. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Normally not a problem but some spots in Waves can get jammed up if the sand is right. Local Vibe: Not too bad, especially if several peaks are working. Environment: Actually not that bad unless after a storm. Hazards: There are a number of shipwrecks along this zone so be careful where you surf. Season: Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity and nor'easters in the late fall and winter.