Pro Riders Enjoy Boards, Barbeque on Bald Head Island

Article by Trey Sedalik, Photography by Tyler Hustrulid

Trey Sedalik catches Superman style air on Bald Head Island. Photo by Tyler Hustrulid

As a kitesurfer and an avid adventure traveler, I often end up wherever the wind may blow. With a little luck and guidance from friends met along the way, I found some of the longest clean waves that I have ever kitesurfed on Bald Head Island, NC. The trip began on the 3rd weekend of May, when Dale Slear and I set off to Wrightsville Beach, NC to compete in the Waterman’s Challenge (view photos). A part of the 2nd Annual Intracoastal SUP Cup, this all water sports version of a triathlon was an extreme test of strategy and endurance. The “iron-style” invitation only kitesurfing, standup paddleboarding and swimming race was another successful event hosted by Coastal Urge. After pushing our limits in the race, Coastal Urge’s Jeoffrey and Catherine Nathan invited the champion Billy Parker, Dale, and I to Bald Head Island, for a Sunday barbeque celebrating the opening of Coastal Urge’s newest location. Hoping for more wind, waves, and camaraderie we graciously accepted and extended our journey to the southernmost cape island in North Carolina.

When you take time to travel to remote and pristine places you’re likely to find other people with a shared respect the natural environment. Aboard the Bald Head Island Ferry half way across the Cape Fear River, I focused only on what lay ahead and left all stress (and unfortunately for my companions, my toiletry bag) back with my car in Southport. The beauty of Bald Head Island inspires, relaxes, and challenges all at first glance. Geographically it is a very unique place with long sandy beaches facing west, south, and east. Any given day you can choose to watch the sun rise and set over water. You can visit a warm beach with light offshore breezes or you can relax by the dunes in calming on shore sea breezes. As kitesurfers, we instantly realized the potential for consistent conditions in an exceptional environment.

Coastal Urge arrives on the scene, equipped to the teeth and ready to set us off on an adventure. Photo by Tyler Hustrulid

Jeoffrey picked us up from the ferry dock in a golf cart, the island’s only motorized transportation, and we cruised through the avenues of oaks and palms to The Shoals Club at East Beach. Gazing over the dunes at the blue-green ocean I saw the Frying Pan Shoals and the sand bars that were our playground for the day. There was a right point with a wave peeling perfectly across the bar as southwesterly winds blew 15 to 20 knots directly into the clean wrapping lines. The kitesurfing conditions were perfect and I was excited to try my new Naish Custom Fish riding the waves as far as I could from the point to the shore. Billy used the swells as kickers and effortlessly landed some of the most technical freestyle tricks. Dale explored the shoals and flat water lofting above the brown pelicans and capturing a different perspective of the island from above. I realized just how special this place was when I saw a rare and stunning leatherback sea turtle three times my size meandering through the swells looking for a meal.

Rest and Relaxation with the Nathans. Photo by Tyler Hustrulid

As the sun sank into the Cape Fear River, the winds subsided and we quenched our thirst while relaxing with the Coastal Urge crew in the warm, soft sand. Some played in the surf on standup paddleboards and others took their first step as kitesurfers flying trainer kites. We all were thankful for the relaxing setting and the opportunity to briefly coexist with the wildlife of the legendary cape. That evening at the Nathan’s barbeque we reminisced with our new friends about our short visit to this natural wonderland. Seeing only a portion of the 12,000 acre island, I longed for more time, and I knew I would have visit again soon to further explore the landscape. Whether you are a rustic outdoorsman in search of adventure or a resort traveler more interested in golf and a little time in the spa, I would highly recommend leaving your car at the end of the road and traveling to Bald Head Island.

When Trey Sedalik isn’t catching air with Coastal Urge, he’s kiteboarding with the best of them out in Charleston, SC with his Naish kite. Be sure to check out Trey’s latest kiteboarding video and stay tuned for a return visit with Naish crew’s Gretta Kruesi.