Wave riders relish September’s warm waters and storm-generated swells. The sandbar breaks are less crowded, offering more fun for those still hanging around.

The tropics are typically active this month and consistently send waves to the Outer Banks, making Nags Head a mecca for the sport.

With that in mind, the Eastern Surfing Association schedules their annual championships, the Easterns, at Jennette’s Pier in mid-September. This year’s event runs from Sunday through Saturday, Sept. 17-23.

This amateur surfing association features head-to-head competition in a number of age groups, from Menehune to Grand Legends and everything in between.

Some of the best wave riders on the East Coast will grind it out in six-person heats for the chance to take first-place honors.

Come on out and watch; they typically run all day starting around 8 a.m. -- weather and waves permitting.

To top it all off, there’s a three-day film festival, Surfalorus, held inside the pier house during the contest starting on Monday night, Sept. 18, with the movie Savage Waters.

“Each evening begins with some tasty beverages, a few snacks and some live music from notable East Coast bands,” organizer Dan Brawley said.

Surfalorus is presented by North Carolina Aquariums and is a partnership between Cucalorus and Dare Arts.

Be there, aloha!