Outer Banks (OBX) Trip
Two nights - three days of driving
Wintery mix and sleet as we left home, Chicago traffic was brutal
Full week of working remote
Cranking at work with a few breaks after 5 PM and one lunch hour session
Vacation time - full days of riding & wind chasing
If it is windy, we will RIDE
One night - two days driving
Long stretches but we gained an hour
Day 1 - Thursday 4/2
Left home around 10 AM, driving out east. Sleet wintery mix on the way. Rest area around Tomah. Chicago traffic around 4 PM and arrived at Elkhart, IN - Avid hotels first floor. Tired by the Chicago traffic. Bought gas, and Indian food, Chicken vindaloo and Baskin had chicken tikka masala, garlic naan and veggie somoas.
Day 1 Driving from WBL to Elkhart, IN - Avid hotels first floor. Tired by the Chicago traffic. Over 8 hours of driving
Day 2 - Friday 4/3
Left Elkhard around 7 AM and started driving out east. Rest area stop in Ohio to get more gas, not quite windy and sunny drive on the way. Around Pittsburgh area by noon. Paladin bar & Grill at 3 PM. Baskin had pomegranate glazed salmon, white rice, and canned green beans, a ceasar salad and IPA beer, Kelly had a soup and steak salad.
Turns out the Studio 6 hotel reservation got canceled. Kelly found and Avid hotel in northern Richmond. Tired and checked in around 6:30 PM. Slept well on a single King size bed.
Day 2 Driving from Elkhart, IN to northern Richmond, VA. Over 11 hours of driving. This one was hard with stiff traffic and cancelled hotel reservation, increasing temparatures. Single driver (Baskin) all the way as Kelly struggled with sleeping and work issues.
Day 3 - Saturday 4/4
Early dog walk in the morning in Richmond, VA. Gassed up and headed south /east. Pleasant drive on the highway. No major issues, arrived at the Outer Banks around 11 AM. Stopped at the Real Water Sports for lunch as well as shopping at the store. Kelly bought her favorite waist board leash and Baskin bought a harness line 25" to replace the one on the 4.5 m FLOAT's long windsurf harness line.
Arrived at 41512 Avon NC around noon, unpacked the car. Baskin got a session on a 11 m / surfboard kiting followed by a wing session a 6.5 m / 87 lts Apple Skipper. Kelly rented a board from Ocean Air for $106 for board rental. She was happy riding that 105 Skyfree Duotone 2026 brand new board - Kelly also had a first session. After two sessions we were both tired. Baskin went to Food Lion for steak and other groceries. Peanut butter sandwich for dinner. Baskin lost a board fin out of quad thruster set he had on Liquid Force FCD board.
Day 3 Driving from northern Richmond, VA to the Outer Banks, NC. Easy driving early in the morning, pleasant drive on the highway, no major issues, arrived at the Outer Banks around 11 AM. Stopped at the Real Water Sports for lunch as well as shopping at the store. Kelly bought her favorite waist board leash and Baskin bought a harness line 25" to replace the one on the 4.5 m FLOAT's long windsurf harness line.
Day 4 - Sunday 4/5
Strong windy day from yesterday. Baskin rigged a 4.5 m with 11 mile session, followed by 3.5 m wing session for 9 miles. Baskin was tired and could not have another session in the PM while the winds got a bit stronger and temperature got cooler. Dog walks,
Day 5 - Monday 4/6
Baskin's 55th birthday - started working on work tickets. Baskin went out to Real Water Sports for a fin replacement, which he did, plus he got himself an 8 m used North Reach 2025 kite for $600 since he forgot his 8m at home. Baskin also stopped at Ketch 55 for PII mussels and Tuna steak burger plus an IPA for birthday, no cake needed. More work in the afternoon, social hour at the other house. Kelly played pacman on the 1981 arcade machine. NO RIDING DAY
Day 6 - Tuesday 4/7
Baskin got up at 5:45 AM, walked the dogs the Sound access, and have them do their thing. There may be some wind in the afternoon. Scored a session on the new 8 m North Reach and Surfboard - LUNCH HOUR
Day 7 - Wednesday 4/8
Work all day, cold, dog walk, attended CoreGroup Company meeting, two PRs out and cleaned up REPORT-953 with Claude walk through. NO RIDING
Day 8 - Thursday 4/9
Warmer day, found Zoey's collar. Better sleep. Wrapped up a code review for Sadie, and discussed the changes we need to REPORT-953. Addressing those changes. Kite session on Cabrinha Spectrum 140cm and 11 m AV8 kite.
Day 9 - Friday 4/10
Last day of work in Avon NC. Late start around 7 AM, walked the dogs to the Sound Access, Kelly got up early and fed the dogs. Later, applied Loctite on the LiquidForce FCD, no riding all day work NO RIDING
-- vacation starts
Day 10 - Saturday 4/11
Early ride with North winds called with a 3/2. Later switched to a 5/4 to stay warm. Two sessions; 1 and 2 hours, 14 and 22 miles on wing foil fir session was on a 6.5 m and next one is 5.5 with a thicker 5/4 mm hyperfreak
Day 12 - Sunday 4/12
Checking the swap meet at Ocean Air and stopping at Waves Deli and Pizza. NO RIDING day
Day 13 - Monday 4/13
Wing foiling earlier for 20 miles Later kiting on 11 m AV8 kite with LiquidForce FCD 9 miles
Day 14 - Tuesday 4/14/
Wingfoil - two sessions, self rescue earlier wind shut down, 37 miles total
Day 15 - Wednesday 4/15
Two sessions with two boards early on with kiting 9:30 Am start - 20 miles on kite, afternoon 21 miles on wing foil with 990 cm Eagle and 6.5m wing. We had a fantastic taco nigh at the Oceans 12 house. Thanks to Adventure Travel
Day 16 - Thursday 4/16
Same as the day before, strong start with kiting and switching to winging later on - 40 miles ridden.
Day 17 - Friday 4/17
no riding in the PM, driving to Real Water sports, bought a hat and Kelly got a new mast plus. Met Matt Nuzza, VP.
Riding Logs
Baskin's Sessions
| Date | Location | Duration (hrs) | Distance (miles) | Gear Setup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.5 | 12.0 | 11m AV8 / LiquidForce FCD | First session of OBX-2026 |
| 4/4/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.0 | 9.0 | 950 cm SK8 V2 / 87 lts / 6.5 / 72 cm | |
| 4/5/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.5 | 10.0 | 950 cm SK8 V2 / 87 lts / 4.5 / 72 cm | |
| 4/5/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.5 | 12.0 | 950 cm SK8 V2 / 87 lts / 3.5 / 72 cm | |
| 4/7/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.0 | 9.0 | 8m North Reach / LiquidForce FCD | Maiden fly of used kite |
| 4/9/2026 | Kinnakeet | 3.0 | 35.0 | 11m AV8 / 142 Cabrinha Spectrum | 3 sessions including sunset |
| 4/11/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.0 | 13.6 | 990 cm Eagle / 87 lts / 6.5 / 72 cm | Cold start with 3/2 |
| 4/11/2026 | Kinnakeet | 2.0 | 21.5 | 990 cm Eagle / 87 lts / 5.5 / 72 cm | Better with 5/4, North winds |
| 4/13/2026 | Kinnakeet | 3.0 | 20.5 | 990 cm Eagle / 87 lts / 6.5 / 72 cm | Two sessions; inconsistent wind |
| 4/13/2026 | Kinnakeet | 2.0 | 9.0 | 11m AV8 / LiquidForce FCD | |
| 4/14/2026 | Kinnakeet | 5.0 | 37.0 | 990 cm Eagle / 87 lts / 6.5 / 72 cm | Self rescue then ride with Kelly |
| 4/15/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.0 | 10.0 | 11m AV8 / LiquidForce FCD | First session |
| 4/15/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.0 | 10.0 | 11m AV8 / 142 Cabrinha Spectrum | Second session |
| 4/15/2026 | Kinnakeet | 2.2 | 21.0 | 990 cm Eagle / 87 lts / 6.5 / 72 cm | Foiling with Kelly |
| 4/15/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.5 | 13.0 | 8m North Reach / LiquidForce FCD | Last session |
| 4/16/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.0 | 10.0 | 11m AV8 / LiquidForce FCD | First session |
| 4/16/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.0 | 10.0 | 11m AV8 / 142 Cabrinha Spectrum | Second session |
| 4/16/2026 | Kinnakeet | 3.0 | 23.0 | 950 cm SK8 v2 / 87 lts / 4.5-3.5 / 72 cm | Ton of wind and waves |
| 4/16/2026 | Kinnakeet | 2.0 | 19.0 | 8m North Reach / LiquidForce FCD | Joined by Kelly |
| 4/16/2026 | Kinnakeet | 2.75 | 33.0 | 950 cm SK8 v2 / 87 lts / 5.5 m / 72 cm | Last session OBX 2026 |
Kelly's Sessions
| Date | Location | Duration (hrs) | Distance (miles) | Gear Setup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4/2026 | Kinnakeet | 2.4 | 2.0 | 105 lts Duotone Skywing / 5.5m / 75cm | getting used to the setup |
| 4/5/2026 | Kinnakeet | 2.4 | 2.0 | 105 lts Duotone Skywing / 5.5m / 75cm | getting used to the setup |
| 4/14/2026 | Kinnakeet | 2.5 | 6.5 | 95 lts Duotone Skywing / 5.5m / 75cm | strong riding |
| 4/15/2026 | Kinnakeet | 2.5 | 7.0 | 95 lts Duotone Skywing / 5.5m / 75cm | strong riding |
| 4/16/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.0 | 2.6 | 95 lts Duotone Skywing / 4m / 75cm | wavey conditions |
| 4/16/2026 | Kinnakeet | 2.0 | 6.0 | 95 lts Duotone Skywing / 4m / 75cm | wavey conditions |
| 4/16/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.2 | 1.0 | 95 lts Duotone Skywing / 5.5m / 75cm | overpowered and rigged down |
| 4/17/2026 | Kinnakeet | 1.5 | 5.0 | 105 Skyfree rental / 5.5m / 75cm | Broken screw head on mast base |
Final Totals
Baskin:
- Total Sessions: 20
- Total Duration: 37.95 hours
- Total Miles Ridden: 337.6 miles
Kelly:
- Total Sessions: 8
- Total Duration: 15.5 hours
- Total Miles Ridden: 32.1 miles
Days Not Ridden by Baskin: 5 Days 4/5 (no wind) 4/6 (work), 4/8 (work), 4/10, 4/12 (Sunday No wind)
-- vacation ends - drive back on Saturday
Day 18 - Saturday 4/18
Driving back home on, early departure by 7 AM, got delayed in the Bode Light house due to accident on NC 12, delay was about 40 minutes. Lunch at Chipotle in Williamsburg, VA. Made it to North Olmsted, OH around 8:30 PM. Kelly drove under rain around Pittsburgh, PA, while Baskin drove the rest of the way.
video of leaving
Day 19 - Sunday 4/19
Depart North Olmsted OH early on, no major delays until Eau Claire WI. Brandy's Gyro place just outside of Chicago with outdoor seating is convenient two years in a row. Arrived at WBL at 7:04 PM close to 12 hours of driving under good weather.
Here is a gallery of vacation pictures from this trip:
Week 1 Group Picture: Kelly, Baskin Ian, Tom, John (Lucy), Marci, Ed, Amir, Joe, Brian, Jay, Norman, Chris, John, Erick, Kat, Scott, Craig
Morning crew
Moonshot in the morning while waiting for Artemis-II to come around
Kelly is foiling moments before her breach
Icicles forming on the fences as we had pit stop around Euclaire WI
Zoey is the official co-pilot in the morning sun
Tucker and Zoey seem attentive in the morning in Ohio exit
Zoey really pays attention to the road - good dog
Sunset on our private deck in Kinnakeet, NC
Baskin riding the 11m AV8 and surf board during lunch hour break
Baskin getting ready to drift launch - wind shadow made it hard
Baskin, Tucker and Zoey at Beach Exit Number 38
This is fun!
Tasha, Tucker and Zoey are wondering what is happening inside. time to come in?
Tucker and Zoey are wondering how Kelly got up there
Baskin exiting from the front of the board when the bottom wing foil hits the ground
Kelly is rding strong
Baskin taking the dogs for a short walk
Zoey is resting on Baskin while Baskin is checking the wind conditions
Cold stop around Chicago before we got hit by the stiff traffic
Kelly completes a session on her rental 105 lts Duotone Skyfree board
Early morning walk has its rewards with the moonshine reflecting over the water
Dirty Dicks Crab House Blackened shrimp tacos didn't disappoint
Maiden ride of the North Reach 8m kite from Real worked out while Tucker is checking things out
Kelly won a Mystic hat on the first week awards
11m Cabrinha AV8 delivers good lift and rides all around
Our gear stash is under the deck, safe from sun, but not from rain, still worked out well
Baskin is greeting Kelly after her session, getting feedback while Tucker and Zoey are observing
Zoey is taking a break
Beach outing group picture
Kelly being smart with a hat reading her kindle
Baskin got new performance replacement fins - yeah!
Kite and Foil gears on display on Kinnakeet Shores
Bringing a kite surfboard was a good call this year, quite a few waves slashed and ridden
Someone got a sun tan, but fun to socialize with our groups after hours
Kelly is greeted by Tucker and Zoey after her session
Seared tuna appetizer was amazing at Waterman's Bar & Grill - picture before
Kelly got a new F-One 75 cm aluminum foil mast
This cargo extension has been quite handy second year in a row
Kelly is driving under Tucker's guidance
Stop at Brandy's outside of Chicago was a good call with outside seating
Second Week Group Picture: Craig, Baskin, Ed, John, Kelly, Erick, Brian, Jenni, Kat, Bo, Sandy, Scott, Bob (Michigan contingency rep, missing John, Scott?), Wendy(Jay's wife), Jay, Ed, Markl Slyvia, Vinny, Eri, Kevin