Emerald Isle

In the southern Outer Banks with the family...specifically Emerald Isle. We got some of that southwest wind that's been all over Hatteras Island the last few days. Tried to go windsurfing at Harkers Island today, but got denied by a stuck open drawbridge at Gallants Channel, that leads into Beaufort. Waited a 1/2 hour before turning back and ended up sailing back at Emerald Isle in the flat water of Bogue Sound. Oh well...disappointed I couldn't get to Harkers Island but grateful I could still windsurf elsewhere...better than not windsurfing at all.

Forecast looks like possible SUP surfing conditions and maybe more windsurfing.

Coastal Urge Intracoastal SUP Cup video

2nd Annual Intracoastal SUP Cup & Waterman's Challenge from Coastal Urge on Vimeo.

Starring my kids - Daddy's nowhere to be found...LOL!!

It was a great weekend and well run event. Next race (Southeastern SUP Championship) is Sept 18th.

Escaping The Heat (and seeking bears)

The heat has been oppressive, so we got out of dodge. Day trip...mountains. 20 degrees difference. Gorgeous. Fathers Day with the family. Bears.

Escaping The Heat from WaterTurtle Productions on Vimeo.

Started by stopping at a Grandfather Mountain area trailhead to scout for a future hike and saw a warning sign that a mother black bear and two cubs had been sighted there recently. Moved on to Sugar Mountain...ate picnic lunch at top. Moved on to Linville Falls/Gorge and did some hiking. Brief visit with my uncle. More talk of bears and an experience he had with 2 different bears that tried to break into his house. Drove to Blowing Rock for dinner and saw an actual black bear crossing the road in front of us, then meander up into the woods (yes, the one in the video). Beautiful day of waterfalls, hiking, and views...with a nice breeze and 70s air temps...compared to 95 degrees back home...only 2 hours away...a great escape even if just for one day.

Kids Summer Fun

Hot as blazes and it's not even officially summer yet. School is out and summer camp has begun. In this case, it was youth sailing camp. One of our sons and 6 of his cousins participated. The youngest were sailing Opti's - a classic small sailboat for kids (pictured below), the older kids were on Sunfishes, Lasers, and 420s. There wasn't much wind but it was still a great week to learn sailing...and for the cousins to all have fun together.

The 11th Commandment

"Get Thee Neighbor On Thy Water"

My neighbor and friend, Bill, and I went out for a sunrise paddle this morning. Bill tried out SUP a few weeks ago with me. Then he went and bought a new board/paddle. This was his 2nd time out on his new board. Bill is stoked.

Sunrise

Heading out across the channel to Bird Island

A Blue Heron launches out of the trees in front of Bill

Bird Island sign

Blue Heron - tons of them and nests/babies on tops of trees all over the island

Hot air balloon in the distance

Saw another hot air balloon after we got back - it was flying very low over the water and then took off in the air over the trees right after I took this shot.

Local Crew Gets Some

The local crew got some on Sunday on the NC coast below Fort Fisher.

Here is an excellent picture taken by Donald Obst of Alan White in mid aerial duck jibe.



...and turnabout is fair play - an excellent shot taken by Alan of Donald getting some air.



There is more here at our local forum.