Wrightsville Beach is a Pioneer in East Coast Surfing

Wrightsville Beach Recognized as Pioneer in East Coast Surfing

Highway marker to commemorate the origin of surfing in North Carolina over a century ago

Previously dubbed one of the top surfing towns in the world by National Geographic, Wrightsville Beach will soon be recognized as a “Pioneer in East Coast” surfing and the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina. To commemorate this historic milestone, a highway marker will soon be unveiled honoring the island’s surfing heritage since 1909. Read on to find out more about the history of surfing at Wrightsville Beach and how the coastal town has transformed itself into one of the most popular surfing hubs in the world today.

Background

Long before Wrightsville Beach became known as a premier destination for watersports, Burke Haywood Bridgers first brought the sport to the island in 1909. A resident of Wrightsville Beach, Bridgers introduced his beloved pastime to the community after reading a magazine article about people practicing the sport in Hawaii. He began to build surfboards, organize surfers and promote surfing activities – founding the earliest verifiable surfing movement and community in North Carolina more than a century ago. This was also one the earliest appearances of surfboards in the Atlantic Ocean.

Recognition

To commemorate Bridgers’ achievements and the role of Wrightsville Beach and North Carolina in the sport of surfing, the state is creating a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker that will be installed and unveiled October 18, 2015. The marker will highlight the active and walkable town of Wrightsville Beach as the “Pioneer in East Coast Surfing” and will stand at the intersection of Waynick Boulevard and Bridgers Street.

Present Day

As soon as you cross over the Intracoastal Waterway into Wrightsville Beach, there’s immediately a feeling of being in a surf town: vehicles and cyclists can be seen toting surfboards, people can be seen surfing and paddleboarding along the various waterways, while others frequently pop into one of the many surf shops for the latest surf styles and gear.

Today, it’s not uncommon to see surfers – both amateurs and experts – catching endless waves along the Wrightsville Beach coast. True to its island living vibe, Wrightsville Beach is very welcoming of anyone interested in trying a new watersport for the first time. With plenty of places to rent top-of-the-line equipment and take lessons with certified instructors, Wrightsville Beach prides itself on making its active lifestyle accessible to everyone. There’s even several surf camps available on the island that offer weekly instruction for all ages including kids, teens and adults.

Wrightsville Beach hosts major surfing events throughout the year, providing a great way for visitors and locals alike to experience and get involved in the exciting sport. Annual events include the O’Neill/Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest, one of the largest surfing contests on the East Coast attracting surfers from around the world, and the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic, an all-female surf competition for all levels of competitors. Also, in 2014, the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History added the Wrightsville Beach Waterman Hall of Fame as a permanent exhibit. Inductees of this prestigious group represent individuals who have made a positive impact to the island’s ever-growing watersport culture.

Story by: Wilmington and Beaches CVB, #OutaboutNC Contributor

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