posted 5/22/2013 6:14:47 PM, updated 5/23/2013 7:49:35 AM

2013 Wrightsville Beach Surfing, Kite Boarding, and Swimming Regulations

To help ensure the safety of all beach patrons, surfers must be securely attached to their board with a “leash”.   Leashes for all surfboards are required year round in Wrightsville Beach regardless of wave size.

Surfing is always prohibited in the following areas:

• Within 350 feet of Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier (between Beach Access # 15 & #16)
• Within 350 feet of Crystal Pier at Oceanic Restaurant (between Beach Access #36 & #37)
• Within 100 feet of the Masonboro Inlet Jetty (between Beach Access #42 & #43)

From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, surfing is prohibited in areas located in front of each lifeguard stand. The length of these “No Surfing” areas will be no less than 600 feet and no greater that 750 feet. Surfing is prohibited in these areas whenever lifeguards are on duty. Lifeguard stands are normally staffed from 10 AM to 5 PM, but these hours may be extended when the beach is busy. “No Surfing” areas will be clearly marked with flags as shown in the figure below.

The locations of the “No Surfing” areas associated with lifeguard stands are shown in blue on the following map.

Additional “No Surfing” areas may be posted on other locations due to weather conditions, beach population, special events, etc. These areas will also be marked with flags as shown above. 

Surfers are reminded to respect the “space” of other beach patrons. Reckless surfing that endangers another person is prohibited.
For more information about surfing at Wrightsville Beach, check with a lifeguard.

Kite Boarding Regulations

• When the checkered flags designating No Surfing areas in front of lifeguard stands are posted, kiteboarders shall stay at least 100 yards offshore from these areas. Some No Surfing areas in the middle of the island are extensive. It is your responsibility to know appropriate areas for kiteboarding.         
• Kiteboarders shall enter and exit the water via the multi-use areas outside of the No Surfing areas. 
• Kiteboarders shall enter and exit the water in a safe and controlled manner. Consider wind direction and beach population when selecting a safe entry/exit point.         
• Always have an experienced kiteboarder assist you with launching and landing, or use a secure anchor.      
• Kiteboarders will acknowledge and obey directions from lifeguards. Whistle blasts and universal hand signals will be used.         
• Always yield the right of way to swimmers and pedestrians.         
• No jumping on the beach with a kiteboard kite.         
• Always respect other kiteboarders, on and off the water.
• When not in use, secure your kite with sand and roll up your bar and lines.
• Always store unused gear up near the dunes and keep the beach clear of excess equipment.
• Remember that perception is reality. If it looks unsafe, then it is unsafe.
• Anyone kiteboarding in a reckless manner will be asked to leave the beach. Reckless kiteboarders can be prosecuted under NC General Statutes, and they may lose their privileges to kiteboard at Wrightsville Beach. 

Town of Wrightsville Beach Ordinance §92.12 pertains to kiteboarding. 

The Pro Division had some fierce competition from the boyz, and in the end, experience won out. Tony Silvagni from Carolina Beach NC slipped by Brad Rose by .3 of a point in a split decision to win and be crowned the Champ for 2013!

Congrats to all of the winners and competitors in our event. You have made a huge contribution to the community by supporting the event with your participation.

A GIANT Ma-halo (thanks) goes out to all the sponsors who made this competition possible! More to come tomorrow after the SUP Ocean Race today!! 

Check out this lists-Lots of WBLA members and sponsors getting it right!

There have been some questions about how to best enter the desired events. Below is some clarification of the contest entry fees contained on the entry form. Additionally, the contest rules are attached below.

2013 OFFICIAL WBLA Kona Longboard Rules

“Guppies” event (boys/girls) is free to anyone  14 and under. Just register on the web.

1. Amatuer Longboard Entry Fee: Event $40 Late Fee $50 after May 1st.

2  SUP Surfing Entry Fee: $40 Late Fee $50

3. SUP Race Entry Fee: $40 Late Fee $50 after May 1st. (novice or not-so novice categories)

4. Kona “All” Waterman event: $100.00 for 3 events, Late fee $120.00 after May 1st. Pros $230, Late fee $260.00.

Banquet and contest t-shirt included in Entry Fee. Additional Guest(s) $15.00 for registration eve and banquet.

 5. Pro Longboard Open entry fee $150.00. Late fee $175.00 after May 1st.

Who is considered a Pro? Well, anyone surfing in Pro-competition is sponsored by a company, or surfboard manufacturer/surf clothing line. Tony Silvagni is a Pro, who competes worldwide. If a surf shop is sponsoring an individual and they compete on the Pro-circuit, then they are classified as a PRO! If an amatuer (example-SNC competitor) wants to give the Pro-Longboard a try, then the amatuer must pay the entry fee of $150.00 prior to May 1, for that opportunity. You can surf up in this contest/event, but not down in divisions.

Here it is in a nutshell if someone wants to enter the “All” Waterman category, you must enter SUP Surfing and SUP Ocean race in addition to the Longboard category that you qualify for:

1. Amateurs entering three events-cost is $100.00 prior to May 1.

2 Pro’s entering 3 events: $230.00 If a Pro wants to surf/SUP in all 3 events, then the Pro fee has to be added to the SUP Surfing $40.00, and SUP Ocean Race Fees $40.00. To qualify for the “All”Waterman title, you must enter all three categories.

Any further questions, please submit to contest@wblasurf.org

The info on SwellInfo.com

Support these sponsors who support our events!!!

2013 OFFICIAL WBLA Kona Longboard Rules

• Sun protect your eyes and head = surf longer/better • Surf, SUP, Kite, Kayak, Paddle • Semi-rigid brim – NOT super-stiff • Stays on duck-diving/large-surf/wind • Compresses easily – stashes in pocket • Low profile center-release buckles • Lightweight, quick-drying, nylon • Non-chaffing nylon webbing straps • Chin straps hide away • One-size • Hi-vis colors • Wave-tested around the globe

Now Available Online

www.crossensurf.com

FB: Crossen Surf

Thanks to all the volunteers who help make it happen and many thanks to Amy Rose for her organizing the event!

2013 SNC Contest #1