SUP Cleanup, January 2010

Photography by Tyler Hustrulid

Article and photography by Tyler Hustrulid

A few, brave paddlers ventured out into the cold on the morning of Sunday the 31st to meet for January’s SUP Cleanup. Even fewer (your author included) made it much farther than the end of the Blockade-Runner pier from our launch off the shore. High winds and a powerful current sent some of us back to land seeking dry clothes and hot coffee. Although it was a bluebird day, Sunday’s temperatures felt worse than were presented just three weeks earlier during the 2nd Annual Cold Stroke classic. And if you missed that too, yes, it was very cold.

We paddled just a thousand feet across Banks Channel to the nearby spoil island. Stepping onto the beach, a large flock of brown pelicans greeted us with their indifferent glances while we went to work clearing the weed-line of the trash entangled within along its float to the ocean. Faded beer cans, crumpled-up soda bottles, and clumps of broken Styrofoam coolers and cups seemed to be the most prevalent. In minutes, we had filled out first bag full.

Exploring the weed-line, we also happened upon several brown pelican carcasses in various states of decay, which we immediately reported to the Sea Bisquet Shelter for further inspection. (Please see the earlier post, “Pelican Patrol.”)

Venturing off the beach and into the interior of the island we were astonished with the amount of litter left behind. During the holidays, residents may know this island as a popular launching point for many wonderful firework spectacles. Unfortunately, those who used it last didn’t remember to pick-up after themselves. We collected what we could, but without rakes and shovels, it was a near impossible task to gather it all in one outing.

SeaTow was on hand to carry back the trash for us and the fine servicemen and women of the Wrightsville Beach Coast Guard Station made sure it was disposed of properly.

If you are interested in joining our next monthly SUP Cleanup outing, we plan to meet at The Dockside Restaurant on Saturday, February 20 at 10AM. You can drop by the store or keep tuned-in to the website for more information.

Related links:
2nd Annual Cold Stroke Classic
Sea Bisquet Shelter
“Pelican Patrol” by Tyler Hustrulid