Surfing’s First Wave

 


The Early History of Surfing in North Carolina

Before modern surfboards appeared at Wrightsville Beach coastal residents from North Carolina established what developed into a cherished East Coastal beach tradition. The Hawaiian islands rightfully hold the original roots of surfing yet North Carolina secured its own special position in surf history which started with handcrafted boards combined with curiosity after reading a national magazine article.

Wrightsville Beach: The Birthplace of NC Surf Culture

The local man Burke Haywood Bridgers from Wrightsville Beach found inspiration in the early 1900s through an article by Alexander Hume Ford which appeared in Colliers Weekly about Hawaiian surfing. The August 1909 article from Colliers Weekly encouraged people to participate in this exhilarating ocean activity.

Bridgers did exactly that.

The native Atlantic White Cedar (Juniper) wood served as the material for the test boards that Bridgers and his local friends made in southeastern North Carolina. North Carolinian surfboard makers adopted Hawaiian surfboard styles to create their first boards for Atlantic Ocean waves.

That summer people gathered at the Lumina Pavilion for surfboard riding competitions which brought spectators to the beach to observe those who attempted wave riding.

A Letter That Surfed Its Way Into History

In 1910 Bridgers sent a letter to Colliers which documented his progress to Ford and revealed that “the most successful effort toward coming in erect, were by small boys under 100 pounds in weight.” Bridgers describes through his words the process of experimentation and initial innovation with an independent mindset which continues to characterize surf culture in the present day.

The letter stands as the earliest known documentation of surfing activities in North Carolina and it remains one of the earliest East Coast surfing records.

Historic Waves and Local Legacy

The surfing movement which Bridgers initiated expanded beyond his initial efforts. Postcards from 1907 and 1909 show beachgoers on boards near Wrightsville Beach. Two surfing competitions took place in 1910 and 1912 where participants received judgments based on wave catching ability and wave count. At that time the coastal residents were already pursuing the wave's excitement.

A few decades later Bridgers' impact remained active. Laurence Gray Sprunt, interviewed in 2014, identified Bridgers as the first surf instructor for local boys during the 1930s and 1940s.

Bridgers and his Wrightsville Beach crew already surfed back in 1935 which made North Carolina one of the earliest East Coast surfing hotspots. The claim that Duke Kahanamoku was surfing in Atlantic City during 1912 does not diminish this early surf history.

North Carolina Surfing Today

From these humble beginnings, surfing in North Carolina has grown into a multi-million dollar industry. A 2011 study estimated that the economic impact of surfing in the state topped $3 million annually, and it continues to grow thanks to a passionate community, quality waves, and strong local culture.

In 2012, National Geographic named Wrightsville Beach one of the top 20 surf towns in the world, cementing its place on the global surfing map.

Plan Your Surf Trip on the Carolina Coast

Whether you’re a beginner hoping to catch your first wave or a seasoned surfer chasing Atlantic swells, the coast of North Carolina is full of surf-ready spots. Wrightsville Beach remains a hub for both local talent and vacationers, but you’ll also find great surf in places like:

Looking to stay close to the action? Explore our Coastal Area Guide vacation rentals to find oceanfront properties, cozy beach cottages, and surfer-friendly homes just steps from the sand.

📍 Want to experience the coastal charm for yourself?
Whether you're chasing waves or just enjoying the view, browse our listings or book your stay today with Loggerhead Vacations for a perfect place to unwind after a day in the surf.

Final Thoughts

Surfing in North Carolina may not have started with palm trees and volcanic sands, but its roots run deep through the white cedar forests and saltwater breaks of the Carolina coast. Thanks to early pioneers like Burke Bridgers, the state has a surf history to be proud of—and a future that's just as exciting.

🌊 Ready to ride the wave of coastal history? Start planning your surf getaway today with Coastal Area Guide.

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