Surf's up, Irene!Thrill-seekerstake advantage of 30ft waves caused by Monster Hurricane along East Coast, US
- Governor Chris Christie warns New Jersey surfers, 'Get the hell off the beach'
By John Stevens
As thousands of people start to flee their homes to escape the destructive path of Irene, thrillseeking hurricane surfers have been flocking to beaches to take advantage of the supersized waves.
Hurricane swells - the waves created outside the direct area of the hurricane - are reaching up to 30 feet along the East Coast.
But as beachgoers started to enjoy the surf, New Jersey governor Chris Christie warned: 'Get the hell off the beach.'
A surfer braves the wind and waves at The Washout at Folly Beach created by Hurricane Irene Friday Aug. 26, 2011 in Folly Beach, S.C
Thrillseekers: CJ Macias rides his surf board as he takes advantage of the waves created by Hurricane Irene in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
In the air: A man is seen parachute surfing at the beach in Kill Devil Hills in the North Carolina Outerbanks on Friday ahead of the expected landfall in the area of Hurricane Irene
One of the biggest surfing competitions in the world, the 49th annual East Coast Surfing Championships, is underway on Virginia Beach, Virginia.
'The risk, the excitement factor getting really good waves is addicting,' said hurricane surfer Shea Lopez who is competing.
'It's something that's uncommon. I couldn't be any more excited for any day of the year.'
Mr Lopez, 37, said he is monitoring the East Coast to see where to go next.
'It's our only chance as East Coast surfers to get large, powerful waves like in other places in the world,' he told ABC News.
Surf's up: People surf on Friday at Rockaway Beach in New York
Waves: A surfer takes a dip at Rockaway Beach in New York
Clear skies: People were told not to be fooled by the sunny weather
'It's exciting being around the hurricane. You can't help but get caught up in the drama.'
The competition's rounds are being rushed through so the contest is over before conditions become too dangerous.
'The primary concern is for the safety of the competitors and spectators,' Kevin Gaydosh, spokesman for the competition , told ABC News.
'There's nobody that has a healthier respect for the water than surfers.'
Ride: Leif Overturf enjoys the large surf near the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier in Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Spray: Connor Murray near the Ocean Crest Pier in Oak Island, North Carolina
Surfing USA: Ed Rolen, 40, of Panama City Beach, takes advantage of high winds and surf from the effects of Hurricane Irene at Cocoa Beach, Florida
Waiting game: Beach goers watch the surf near a beachside fishing pier a day before the expected landfall of Hurricane Irene in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
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