Long Doggers – Indialantic

Laid-back American eatery dispensing wings, burgers & beer in beachy digs with outdoor seats.

It was the spring of 1987 when we (LJ, Al and Tony) set out on our first adventure together. Cape Hatteras offered the best surfing on the Atlantic coast. After finishing exams at F.I.T., we loaded our boards into LJ’s old VW bus and headed north.

The miles flew by in good company as we anticipated the epic surf to come. Our excitement peaked as the black and white spiral rose from the horizon, but by the time the bright red foundation of the Hatteras lighthouse came into view, our dreams of perfect waves were dashed. The Atlantic was flat! Tired from the ride, we set up tent at the Cape Point campground.

The wind started to pick up as we headed out for a few brews. By the time we got back to the campground, storm winds were howling and we discovered that our tent had blown away. No waves, bad weather and now we would have to sleep in the VW! Our Hatteras surf trip was a bust!

Our despair turned into hope when we awoke to the sound of crashing waves. Unfortunately, the surf was far too big and messy to even paddle out. We visited a surf shop, where a local told us about the Frisco Pier. He told us that the rip current along the pilings would help with the paddle through the rough surf, but to be careful because Mako sharks feed under the pier. Undaunted, we hit the water. The waves were sloppy and the rides were short but we had fun just dropping in on the big swells. We were about to call it a day and head back to Florida, when out of nowhere, and seemingly in an instant, the wind shifted. A powerful offshore breeze laid down the chop and turned the surf to glass. For three epic hours, our trio of fraternity brothers surfed clean overhead barrels at Cape Hatteras!

We still talk about that trip often. That brief Hatteras road trip cemented lifelong friendships. Our memories endure to this day…so much so, we felt compelled to label our first signature brew, Hatteras Red Lager.

We hope that our story inspires you to reminisce about one of your own past adventures.