Only in The Outer Banks

Although this natural event is common with many bodies of water around the world, the term “slick cam” was born right here in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The local slang refers to when the water in the sound is so calm and steady that it reflects the sky above onto the surface of the water. This results in a mirror image of the sky that matches perfectly at the horizon and creates a unique optical illusion.

This beautiful shot was captured at the Haulover Day Use Area in Avon, NC – commonly called “Canadian Hole” by visitors and locals alike. The south end of Hatteras Island is in view on the left side of image, giving perspective to the vanishing horizon.