Beaches

Wrightsville Beach Competition Draws World Class Paddleboarders

Laura Candler — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) involves a surfboard, a paddle, and lots of abdominal strength. And in the world of sports, it’s catching on fast. That might not be too surprising, since it often involves bathing suits and sunny beaches, too. Starting today, SUP athletes from around the world will compete in the third annual Carolina Cup at Wrightsville Beach.

NC State Tests Dune Filtration System On Coast

Gurnal Scott — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:49:11 +0000

Researchers from NC State have developed a new stormwater filtration system designed to trap pollutants and bacteria that can often cause beach closures. The new system consists of a series of chambers that divert stormwater runoff into sand dunes, which act like giant filters.

Environmental Group Pushes for Cleaner Coastal Water

Eric Hodge — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 13:54:00 +0000

An environmental group wants North Carolina's coastal water to be cleaner. The Natural Resources Defense Council's new report on water quality says about three percent of the samples at twelve beaches exceeded bacteria levels set by the EPA. That's better than the national average of eight percent. Jon Devine is an attorney with the NRDC. He says the biggest cause of pollution on the coast is storm water runoff, but there are solutions.

Rising Tides

Frank Stasio and Shawn Wen — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:06:00 +0000

North Carolina lawmakers are considering a bill that would use historical record rather than scientific methodology to predict rising sea levels. It’s in response to a report released by the North Carolina Coastal Resource Commission, predicting that the sea level will rise 39 inches by 2100.

U.S. House Lifts Beach Driving Restrictions

Gurnal Scott — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 09:55:00 +0000

A bill that would re-open parts of Cape Hatteras to vehicles has passed the U.S. House.

Gurnal Scott: The legislation includes North Carolina congressman Walter Jones' bill lifting restrictions on access. The Federal Lands and Water Projects Bill overturns National Park Service rules keeping off-road vehicle traffic from a large part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Congressman Jones says this bill will have a positive effect on one of the state's top tourist areas.

Nags Head Beach Renourishment Project Moving Ahead

Eric Hodge — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:00:00 +0000

A controversial beach renourishment project is closer to getting underway in Nags Head on the Outer Banks. Town officials are lining up financing and preparing a contract for a company to perform the work. They say pumping dredged sand onto beaches suffering from erosion is a good way to protect the area's valuable shoreline. Nags Head Town Manager Cliff Ogburn says if it goes forward, the additional sand could preserve the beach front for up to a decade:

Jetties Bill Gets OK In Senate

Jessica Jones — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:30:00 +0000

State senators have tentatively agreed to allow building new jetties along the Outer Banks.