“SURF’S UP” AT WILMINGTON, N.C. & ISLAND BEACHES WITH SURF ACCOLADES, COMPETITIONS & EVENTS

 

The “surf’s up” this summer at Wilmington, North Carolina and the island beaches of Carolina BeachKure Beach and Wrightsville Beach, which is still basking in the glow of its 2012 National Geographic designation as one of the “World’s Best Surf Towns.” This follows in the wake of previous surf accolades. In 2008, Surfermagazine named UNC-Wilmington as one of the East Coast’s top surf schools. Experienced and beginner surfers enjoy riding the sweet waves at the USLA lifeguard-protected (Memorial Day-Labor Day) island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach. The area is also ideal for stand-up paddling (SUP) in the ocean, harbor and Intracoastal Waterway.

Outside magazine (May 2006) acknowledged Wrightsville Beach among its “Best North American Beginner Surf Spots.” According to Outside, “Wrightsville’s soft, sandy beaches are the perfect venue for beginners and perfectly warm in the summer.” Visitors can learn to surf or SUP with certified instructors at eco-friendly schools that provide lessons at Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville beaches. For local surf schools that offer surf and SUP programs, visit www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/things-to-do. Visitors to Wilmington, N.C. and island beaches will experience a classic coastal destination with an abundance of outdoor recreation, events and festivals year-round.

 

Here’s a roundup of summer surf events:

 

ONGOING: WEEKLY SUNSET SUP6pm-7:30pm. Thursday evenings through August 29, the Sunset SUP Series features 30- and 40-minute men’s and women’s races in Intermediate and Elite divisions. Wrightsville SUP, 274 Waynick Blvd., Wrightsville Beach (across from Blockade Runner Resort). http://wrightsvillesup.com/events.

 

JULY 12-14: 8th ANNUAL O’NEILL/SWEETWATER PRO-AM SURF FEST. 8:00am each day. After a one-year hiatus, Wrightsville’s largest surf competition returns with a new sponsor. Dozens of amateur surfers and professional surfers from around the world will take to the surf during this 3-day event. This year’s pros include: Nils Schweizer, Corey Lopez, Brett Barley, Brendan Petticrew, and Wrightsville Beach native Ben Bourgeois. Location: Oceanic Street, Wrightsville Beach.  910 256-3821. Details/registration: www.wblivesurf.comwww.sweetwatersurfshop.com.   

 

JULY 18-20: SURFALORUS FILM FESTIVAL. See the hottest new surf films and documentaries about coastal issues. Surfers, nature lovers, and fans of good film will enjoy three days of outdoor screenings of 30 surf films and a free Board & Beach Expo. Screenings take place at various locations from the river to the sea.  Thursday screenings in Carolina Beach will be held at Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar (1211 S. Lake Park Blvd.). Friday screenings will be shown in Wrightsville Beach at Red Dogs (5 N. Lumina Ave.). Saturday’s Board & Beach Expo is in Wilmington at Tidal Creek (5329 Oleander Dr.), followed by screenings and a presentation by legendary surf photographer Jeff Divine at Jengo’s Playhouse (815 Princess St., Wilmington). Admission charge applies for most screenings. After-parties include live music and outdoor screenings. For tickets, film schedules, venues and details, visit www.surfalorus.com.

 

AUGUST 17-18: WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH WAHINE CLASSICMove over boys of summer! Surfer girls return August 17-18 when wahines of all ages ride the waves in an all-female surf competition. The event returns in 2013 with a new name and new management to continue a beloved Wrightsville Beach surfing tradition. Divisions include: Pro-Shortboard and Pro-Longboard (all ages), Amateur Shortboard and Longboard (grouped by age), Novice, Standup Paddleboard, and the crowd-pleasing Guppy event. The competition will take place on the South end of Wrightsville Beach. Details can be found online at www.wrightsvillebeachwahineclassic.com;910-465-9638 or 910-274-3565.

 

Seasoned surfers, beginners and spectators are sure to enjoy these and other events that celebrate the independent spirit which prevails in Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and island beaches. For a free Official Visitors Guide, please call 1-866-266-9690 or email visit@wilmingtonandbeaches.com. For visitor information and a complete Calendar of Events, please visit website www.GoWilmingtonAndBeaches.com.

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