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Friday, August 20, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
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3 Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, August 20, 2021
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Friday, August 20, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
We could all use a little
beach time.
OUTER BANKS VACATION RENTALS & REAL ESTATE SALES
Whether you are looking for the perfect place to vacation or seeking to invest in your own Outer Banks beach house, we offer unprecedented service in making your experience the best it can be. Kick off your shoes and stay a while!
Kurt Korte, Director of Atlantic Forecasting for Surfline, does“va little forecast verification” at the Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach in Ichinomiya, Japan, during the 2020 Summer Olympics. SEAN EVANS/ISA
Surfcasting for the Olympics joelambjr.com • joelambrealty.com • 800-552-6257
Kurt Kode, the Outer Banks’ own Surfline forecaster, traveled to Japan to forecast the swells for the first-ever Olympics surf events. Page 14
Local artist envisions the ‘Faces of Eve’ Artist Mike Davis’ exhibit is an imaginative and historic jaunt through time, viewing women from a variety of eras and cultures. Page 18
Surfing contest by the pier More than 150 pros will converge on the beach at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head for a World Surf League event just before Labor Day weekend. Page 22
Locally Sourced Seafood Steamer Dinners Salads, Sides, and Dips Steamed Shrimp & Crabs (252) 441-8808 | 101 Grey Eagle St. | Nags Head whaleboneseafood.com
ABOUT COAST COAST covers the people, places and characteristics that make the Outer Banks a beach destination for families, surfers and anglers from around the world. For more than 30 years, this publication has featured individuals making a difference in the community, highlighted the latest happenings and shared events that shouldn’t be missed – from live music to theatrics, food festivities, art shows, fishing, surfing, and more. All local. All the time. This is COAST.
EDITOR Kari Pugh karipugh@icloud.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Elizabeth Moore, Korie Dean, Carrie Brothers, Dave Fairbank, Daryl Law, Maggie Miles, Mary Ellen Riddle, Scott Sechman ADVERTISE WITH US Find out how you can engage more readers with an integrated marketing program. John“Ski”Miller, media sales manager, ski.miller@ virginiamedia.com; Elizabeth Catoe, senior account executive, elizabeth.catoe@ virginiamedia.com
THINGS TO KNOW During the summer season (May-August), when Coast is a weekly publication, information must be submitted at least 10 days in advance of an event. During the shoulder season (September-October), when Coast is a monthly publication — with the exception of November-December and January-February, when two months are combined —information must be submitted at least 14 days in advance of an event. WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information, visit coastobx.com; facebook.com/CoastOBX
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Visit Our General Store Candy, Fudge, Coffee & Delights Galore • Remember your visit to the Outer Banks with a personalized ornament • Browse among our Thousands of Ornaments Table Top - Home Decor • Jewelry - Engraved Gifts Halloween Haunted House On the way to the NC Aquarium, Festival Park & Lost Colony. Hwy 64 in Manteo on Roanoke Island
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Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, August 20, 2021
Welco me Aboard!
OUTER BANKS ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS SHOP...SINCE 1967
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HATTERAS HOTLIST
Friday, August 20, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
Something a little different By Carrie Brothers
Correspondent
Hatteras Bowls
Craving something sweet but in the mood for something fresh and a little more healthy? Hatteras Bowls offers build-your-own acai bowls, smoothies, vegan ice cream and popsicles. It will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Tuck into their sweet treats or lunch with two slices of organic sprouted bread piled high with fresh flavors like avocado, caraway, and lemon drizzled with olive oil. Everything at this vegan eatery is made to order and consciously sourced, down to the locally roasted coffee. Where: 25410 NC-12, Waves Hours: 9a.m.-2p.m. Thursday-Tuesday; closed Wednesday Info: 252-995-2893; hatterasbowls.com
Snack Shack
Located in Hatteras Landing, conveniently close to the ferry docks, Snack
By Dave Fairbank Correspondent
Music: Surf and Sounds Chamber Music Series | Aug. 24, 25, 26, 27 Live music, piano quintet Aug. 24 at All Saints Episcopal Church, Southern Shores, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 25 at St. Andrews By-The-Sea Episcopal Church, Nags Head, 7:30 p.m.; string quartet Aug. 26 at Cape Hatteras Secondary School, Buxton, 7 p.m., Aug. 27 at Dare County Arts Council, Manteo, 7 p.m. Free admission, masks recommended and may be required, depending on state and local guidelines. www.bryanculturalseries.org Shop: Avon Farmers Market | Aug. 24, 31 Local produce,vendors,art,food,Avon Fishing Pier,Koru Village and Spa,40920 NC Hwy.12,Avon,9 a.m.-1 p.m. www.outerbanks.com/avon-farmers-market.html Family Fun: Mustang Mornings at the Farm | Aug. 25, Sept. 1 Meet and learn about Corolla Wild Horses, Betsy Dowdy Equine Center, 102 Young Rider Lane, Grandy, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., $10 suggested donation per car. www.corollawildhorses.com Wine: Corolla Cork and Craft | Aug. 25, Sept. 1 Local wine and beer tastings, vendors, live music, Whalehead Club, 1100 Club Road, Corolla, 3-7 p.m., $15 general admission ticket, free for non-drinking adults. www.visitcurrituck.com/events/cork-craft/ Music: Joe Mapp | Aug. 26 Live music, Rundown Café, 5218 Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, 6-9 p.m. www.facebook.com/pg/rundown.cafe/events
BoardWok South
Tucked in St. Waves Plaza, this family-owned restaurant has been serving up Asian fusion since 2002. The menu features something for everyone, including fresh local seafood, wok specialties like lo mein and fried rice, steak and plenty of choices for vegetable lovers. Everything from the egg rolls to the key lime pie are homemade. The crab cakes are famous for being entirely lump crab with no filler and the local tuna tacos always please. Currently only offering curbside pick-up, orders can be called in or placed online through their website. Where: 26006 NC-12, Waves Hours: 4:45-8:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; Closed Sunday-Monday Info: 252-987-1080; boardwoksouth.com
TOP 10 EVENTS AUG. 20-26
Surfing: WRV Outer Banks Pro | Sept. 1-5 World Surf League qualifying contest, Jennette’s Pier, 7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, Free admission www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2021 Music: Citizen Cope | Aug. 24 Live music, Outer Banks Brewing Station, 600 S. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, 10 p.m.-1 a.m., Tickets required www.obbrewing.com www.citizencope.com
Hatteras Bowls in Waves serves up vegan eats like smoothies, ice creams, acai bowls and some savory lunches, as well as serving locally-sourced coffee. HATTERAS BOWLS/COURTESY
Shack serves breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. and offers breakfast sandwiches and wraps. Lunch features crab cakes, fish and shrimp tacos, Philly cheesesteaks, sandwiches and fresh made tuna poke. Where: 58848 Marina Way, Hatteras Hours: 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday; Closed
Saturday-Sunday Info: 252-995-9500; thesnackshacknc.com
Pop’s Raw Bar and Grill This unassuming little roadside spot specializes in fried and steamed seafood in a laid back, dive-like environment. Live music happens
every Friday and the menu is straightforward and classic. Stop in to this Hatteras classic for a relaxed drink, a dozen oysters and a frosty beverage. Where: 48967 NC-12, Buxton Hours: 11a.m.- 9p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday Info: 252-995-7734; pops-raw-bar.hub.biz
Music: Lo Faber | Aug. 24, 25 Live music, Cravings Tap Shack, 1209 Duck Road, Duck, 6-9 p.m., Tickets required www.cravingsobx.com www.lofabermusic.com Music: Raygun Ruby | Aug. 26, Sept. 2 Live music, Dajio, 305 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, 8-11 p.m., Free admission www.dajio.com For Brides: OBX Wedding Fest | Aug. 29 Wedding planning, vendors, three locations — Duck Woods Country Club, 50 S. Dogwood Trail, Southern Shores; Keeper’s Galley at Haven on the Banks, 115 E. Dove St., Nags Head; Sanderling Resort, 1461 Duck Road, Duck; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., General admission tickets $15 www.obxwa.com
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The Outer Banks Wildlife Art Gallery We carry over 75 artists, and specialize in Outer Banks wildlife! Pelicans, shorebirds, herons, ducks, songbirds and wildlife carvings, seashore paintings and prints, lighthouse art, gifts, cards, and all styles of decoys - antique and decorative. Our 35th year!
Angel Khoury has invented an incandescent language and fluid point of view all her own to write this century-spanning story of passion and betrayal, memory and consciousness, love and longing … Brilliant, ambitious, and enthralling, Between Tides is a totally original work of art." -Lee Smith, New York Times bestselling author
252.480.2951
WWW.THEBIRDSTOREOBX.COM THEBIRDSTOREOBX@GMAIL.COM
MP 8.5 ON HWY 158 BYPASS (1/2 MILE SOUTH OF WRIGHT MEMORIAL) KILL DEVIL HILLS
Oceanfront & Open Year Round at 11:30 AM
Specializing in Catering Services for Weddings & Events Fresh Seafood
Steaks
Vegetarian
Kids Menu
Sandwiches Wood Fired Gourmet Pizzas Homemade Desserts Full Service Bar
Outside Dining with Ocean Views
Wright Brothers Were Here MP 4.5 Beach Road, Kitty Hawk 252-261-3171 - blackpelican.com
$4.99
Daily Breakfast Specials 7 am - 2 pm
Look what Jolly’s doing this season!
August
2021 Events and Specials!
Oceanfront, Kitty Hawk • NC
Karaoke Nightly with Hambone from 9 pm - midnight! RESTAURANT & BAR
KILL DEVIL HILLS, NC
CALL FOR GREAT SPECIALS NIGHTLY
Gov’ment Cheeze on Thursday, August 12th and 26th and Saturday August 7th and 21st from 6 pm - 9 pm!
Pub Menu Specials Daily 4:00 - 6:30 (Dine In Bar Only)! 25¢ Shrimp • 99¢ Ribs • 79¢ Wings Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Bill & Friends every Sunday on the deck from 6-9 PM
Look for
$2 MUG
Temporarily Closed... Help Wanted
1/2 PRICE BLOODY MARY’S AND MIMOSAS
Great Drink Specials All Day! Watch NASCAR with US Great Drink Specials NTN Poker Tournament 5 pm
Breakfast
Discounts and
Free Dinner Coupons in the Visitors Guide and Restaurant Guide Wii Bowling Tournament 6 pm
AND
$2 Wine ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT TILL CLOSING!
BRING YOUR OWN MUG!
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Live Music with Joel on Friday nights from 6 pm - 8 pm on the deck, weather permitting.
NTN Poker
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We also sell Locals Sign up homemade italian, for Birthday Club Complimentary Dinner the month of your Birthday Also, a free Dessert!
Friday
chocolate chip, and peanut butter cookies!
441-6530 • www.jollyrogerobx.com • MP 6 3/4 Beach Road, KDH
Live Music 6-8
10oz Prime Rib
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w/seafood
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served with baked potato and cole slaw
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Locals! - Mon-Fri 20% OFF Lunch w/ Local ID
Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, August 20, 2021
The Bird Store
Friday, August 20, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
8
LIFE IMITATING ART?
What does ‘Outer Banks’ mean for the OBX? It’s hard to deny the impact. People at Kitty Hawk Surf Co. check their phones for info about“Outer Banks”cast members after a sudden rainstorm delayed a live viewing of the first episode of the second season last on July 30. The live viewing was part of a pop-up event hosted by Kitty Hawk Surf Co. in partnership with Volcom and Netflix aimed at promoting a clothing collection created by Volcom. TRENT SPRAGUE/THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT PHOTOS
9
T Staff Writers
he sun had just set behind the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and dozens of people — young and old, tourists and locals — settled in on the lawn outside the staged Kildare Island Surfboard Co. on Croatan Highway. They fixed their eyes on an inflatable projection screen, anticipating the premiere of the second season of Netflix’s “Outer Banks,” a fictional teen drama that splashed onto the streaming scene at the start of the pandemic. Kitty Hawk Surf Co. temporarily
masqueraded as the Kildare Island business in reference to the fictional setting in the series. The shop was covered in show-themed window graphics featuring John B and Sarah Cameron, two protagonists. Inside, customers purchased T-shirts, shorts and hats from the official “Outer Banks” merchandise line, which Netflix created in partnership with Volcom. The apparel is sold in about 400 stores nationwide but in Nags Head, Volcom partnered with Kitty Hawk Surf Co. to create a unique, exclusive store build-out that physically connects customers’ love of the fictional show to the real Outer Banks. “It’s the heartbeat of the show,” said Chris Martinez, Volcom’s North American retail marketing and special events manager. “It only makes sense to offer this within the Outer Banks
and to create this kind of experience, especially being able to touch so many different people.” Reactions to the hit show on the barrier islands have been mixed. Some locals say it accurately represents the essence of their home, while some struggle to reconcile that the show wasn’t filmed on the Outer Banks or in North Carolina. Regardless of its reception, it’s hard to deny the series, along with a widespread itch to travel domestically during the coronavirus pandemic, has had a significant impact on tourism in the area.
Hit show spotlights OBX “Outer Banks” launched on Netflix on April 15, 2020, and became stream-
ing giant’s No. 1 show within weeks. The barrier islands were closed to nonresidents from March to May of last year due to the pandemic, but the show’s impact on tourism already was becoming apparent. Between April 15 and May 15 of last year, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau’s website traffic grew by 61%, compared with the same time period in 2019, said Lee Nettles, the executive director of the visitors bureau. Traffic to the bureau’s merchandise page grew by more than 4,400%. Around the same time the show launched, the itch for travel kicked in around the country due to pandemic lockdowns. When the islands reopened at 12:01 a.m. May 16, 2020, tourists flocked to the Wright Memorial Bridge to get a place in line. Turn to Page 10
A customer checks out a rack of sweatshirts outside of Kitty Hawk Surf. Co. in Nags Head, North Carolina, on July 30 during a pop-up event for the Netflix show“Outer Banks.” Volcom and Netflix partnered to create a clothing collection for the show’s second season that premiered that night.
Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, August 20, 2021
By Elizabeth Moore and Korie Dean
Friday, August 20, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
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Kevin DeBell of Kitty Hawk Surf Co. shows off the Volcom“Outer Banks”collection on Friday, July 30, 2021. Volcom partnered with Netflix as promotion for the second season of“Outer Banks,” which premiered July 30. As part of the premiere, Kitty Hawk Surf Co. transformed it’s Nags Head, North Carolina, store into the fictional“Kildare Island Surfboard Co.” and held a pop-up event featuring a treasure hunt around the store. TRENT SPRAGUE/THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT PHOTOS from Page 9
The Outer Banks, with its wideopen spaces for recreation and relaxation, made the region ripe for visitors during the pandemic, Nettles said. The renewed tourism was largely a welcome sight in the region, which has relied heavily on the industry since the 1970s and ’80s. “Tourism is far and away our primary economic engine,” Nettles said. “It’s been that way for generations, really.” Nettles couldn’t say for certain whether the show had a direct impact on tourism, but said he thinks the show
brought more name recognition to the region and piqued tourists’ curiosity.
‘Phenomenal’ summer for tourism Alicia and Jay Sutherland have seen the recent tourism boom firsthand as Airbnb co-hosts in the area. “This is definitely the most crowded tourism summer I think we’ve ever had,” Alicia Sutherland said. The Sutherlands have lived on the Outer Banks since they got married 24 years ago. Jay Sutherland’s parents moved to the area 24 years before that.
Recently, Alicia started playing a game: She would count how many different states were represented on license plates around Kitty Hawk. She reached 35 in two weeks. “I don’t remember it ever being that way,” she said. The area used to be “crickets” after Labor Day, Alicia Sutherland said. But over the past 15 years or so, the busy season has extended well into the fall. That led the Sutherlands to invest in a bargain price condo in early March 2020. They listed the property as a short-term rental on Airbnb.com and started getting bookings within two hours.
When the islands closed weeks later, the fate of their listing was uncertain. But since the islands reopened, bookings at the Sutherlands’ properties haven’t slowed. Word spread among their friends about their new business venture, and the couple now co-host 11 Airbnb properties in and around Kitty Hawk. This year, the town was No. 8 in top destinations based on Airbnb search data. The heightened popularity also is reflected in local numbers. The Outer Banks has been collecting record occupancy tax revenue every month from Turn to Page 11
from Page 10
11 Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, August 20, 2021
June last year through May from visitor bookings, Nettles said. “So it’s been pretty phenomenal,” he said. A study by an apartment news site, RENTCafé Blog, found the Outer Banks as No. 1 on its ranking of “Most Resilient U.S. Destinations During Lockdown,” ahead of Yellowstone National Park. According to its analysis of Google search data, the Outer Banks saw the smallest drop in interest: 25%, compared with the 78% drop of interest for Brooklyn, New York.
Why the show isn’t filmed in NC “Outer Banks” nods to real North Carolina geographies and culture throughout its first and second seasons, name-dropping places such as Figure Eight Island and Masonboro, and featuring the logo of North Carolina-based soda Cheerwine throughout the sets. To the chagrin of some locals, though, neither season was filmed on the real-life chain of barrier islands, or anywhere in the state. The show’s creators — twin brothers and North Carolina natives Jonas and Josh Pate along with University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumnus Shannon Burke — envisioned filming the show in Wilmington, which was once a hub of the film industry before the state ended its tax credit incentive program for the industry in 2014. But Netflix opted to film the show elsewhere due to anti-LGBTQ legislation passed by North Carolina’s General Assembly, including House Bill 2, the controversial 2016 law also known as “the bathroom bill.” The law required people to use the public restrooms that corresponded to the sex on their birth certificate, rather than their gender. House Bill 142, which in 2017 partially repealed House Bill 2, included a provision that prohibited North Carolina cities from enacting nondiscrimination ordinances until it expired on Dec. 1, 2020. Filming for both seasons of “Outer Banks” instead took place largely in Charleston, South Carolina, where the trio of creators brought to life their fictionalized “amalgam” of places along the North Carolina coast.
Similarities to the real Outer Banks Although viewers won’t see any images from the real Outer Banks on their screens, some locals say the show at least somewhat accurately captures the essence of the barrier islands. With more than 100 miles of beaches and coastline, the Outer Banks is almost synonymous with water — and in the show, there’s no shortage of scenes where protagonist John B and the rest of the Pogues cruise through the sound in their boat or surf some “burly lefts” out in the ocean.
Individuals at Kitty Hawk Surf Co. pack up chairs after a sudden rainstorm delayed a viewing of episode one of the Netflix show“Outer Banks”on July 30. The live viewing was part of a pop-up event hosted by Kitty Hawk Surf Co. in partnership with Volcom and Netflix aimed at promoting a clothing collection created by Volcom.
“I think (the show) is kind of centered around being on the water and being a culture that’s driven by the water, and so in that regard, I think we share some similarities,” Nettles said. Beyond the physical landscape, the show also alludes to much of the region’s way of life. Jessie McClary, an art teacher at First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills and a 22-year resident of the Outer Banks, said she sees many similarities between the show’s characters and local high school students, including her daughter and her friends. “The way those kids care about each other and take care of each other — they do that here,” she said. McClary’s 17-year-old daughter, Gabi,
said that she and her friends spend their summers the same way that the Pogues do — minus the treasure hunting and violence, of course. “Working in restaurants, going to the beach, hanging out, going out on the boat in the sound, that’s what we have to do here,” Gabi McClary said. “And I think that they did a good job of showing that.” For locals, the recent increased tourism in the region can be both a blessing and a curse. While the influx of tourists does overrun the ordinarily small, quiet region, it supports the local economy. “What people don’t realize is that we couldn’t live here without the tourism,” Jessie McClary said. Alec Daniel, an 18-year-old from
Gloucester County, visits the area each year with his family. The “Outer Banks” show fan stopped by the Kildare Island Surfboard Co. pop-up event in Nags Head last week and proudly wore a “Kook Princess” shirt from the Volcom line. “This is somewhere that I’ve been my whole life,” Daniel said, “so it was cool to watch a show about this place.” Elizabeth Moore, 757-247-4517, elizabeth.moore @virginiamedia.com Korie Dean, 757-446-2962, korie.dean @virginiamedia.com
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12 Friday, August 20, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
15 + varieties of New York Bagels
Hatteras Island Pirates ~ Puzzles ~ Games ~ John Deere
Homemade soups and lunch specialties Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, and more Cozy coffee shop Custom cakes and pies
Salt Water Taffy ~ Truffles ~ Fudge ~ Chocolates Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm Hwy 12 in Buxton right before the turnoff to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse 252-995-7171 • 46928 NC 12 Buxton NC
Build your own breakfast sandwich
A Hatteras Island Tradition
ALL MADE FRESH DAILY
Avon, North Carolina Dine-in Seating (Including Larger Patio) or Carryout! Ice Cream & Coffee Drinks
We offer a great family friendly dining experience, lively pub and unforgettable food from our scratch-made kitchen. Our patio is dog friendly! Our private dining rooms are perfect for large parties, special events and wedding receptions!
3 pm - 10 pm daily
Hatteras Island’s favorite brunch - Sunday’s from 10 am - 4 pm
Hawaiian Shaved Ice • Italian Ice Shakes • Sundaes • Smoothies
252-995-5550 • www.froggydog.com Open Year Round
Custom Ice Cream Cakes!
Call (252) 986-5109 | Open 6 AM - 4 PM
40146 N.C 12 in Avon
Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, August 20, 2021
The perfect place to start or end your day!
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12 Friday, August 20, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
15 + varieties of New York Bagels
Hatteras Island Pirates ~ Puzzles ~ Games ~ John Deere
Homemade soups and lunch specialties Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, and more Cozy coffee shop Custom cakes and pies
Salt Water Taffy ~ Truffles ~ Fudge ~ Chocolates Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm Hwy 12 in Buxton right before the turnoff to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse 252-995-7171 • 46928 NC 12 Buxton NC
Build your own breakfast sandwich
A Hatteras Island Tradition
ALL MADE FRESH DAILY
Avon, North Carolina Dine-in Seating (Including Larger Patio) or Carryout! Ice Cream & Coffee Drinks
We offer a great family friendly dining experience, lively pub and unforgettable food from our scratch-made kitchen. Our patio is dog friendly! Our private dining rooms are perfect for large parties, special events and wedding receptions!
3 pm - 10 pm daily
Hatteras Island’s favorite brunch - Sunday’s from 10 am - 4 pm
Hawaiian Shaved Ice • Italian Ice Shakes • Sundaes • Smoothies
252-995-5550 • www.froggydog.com Open Year Round
Custom Ice Cream Cakes!
Call (252) 986-5109 | Open 6 AM - 4 PM
40146 N.C 12 in Avon
Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, August 20, 2021
The perfect place to start or end your day!
Friday, August 20, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
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Kurt Korte, Director of Atlantic Forecasting for Surfline,“does a little forecast verification”at the Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach in Ichinomiya,Japan, during the 2020 Summer Olympics. SEAN EVANS/ISA
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A
SURF FORECASTER
By Maggie Miles
Correspondent
Kurt Korte, our favorite local surfcaster — or shall we call him our favorite OLYMPIAN surfcaster — just got back from Tokyo, where he was surfcasting for the first ever Olympic surf competition. In fact, the New York Times calls him “Olympic surfing’s wave whisperer.” But we were curious — what’s a normal day in the life like for Surfline’s director of Atlantic forecasting here on the Outer Banks? According to their website, every day, hundreds of thousands of people around the world depend on Surfline to “enrich
their experiences in and around the ocean.” Or, in other words, to get good waves. But how do they do it? “It’s actually kind of crazy,” says Korte. “You think about the idea of the surf bum that rolls out of bed, blows off work and goes and surfs — it’s definitely not that,” he laughs. According to Korte, it’s a whole global network of over 100 highly experienced professionals, international offices in Huntington Beach, Australia, and the United Kingdom, contractors spread out across the world, thousands of monitored cameras, and over 20 years of immaculately kept observational data on ocean, swell and weather patterns that you can’t find anywhere else.
According to Korte, his day starts well before sunrise. At this time of year, that means around 5:15 to 5:30 a.m. At other times of year, that could mean even earlier. He gets out of bed, grabs a coffee, and heads to his office, his home office that is. They usually have an office in Nags Head that he would get to eventually, but like many of us, for now they are working at home. The first thing he does is go to his computer, pull up Surfline, and look at the different cameras they have streaming across the East Coast. For the Outer Banks they have around 30 cameras placed from Duck to Frisco, but he usually covers areas from Virginia Beach, where he’s from, to
areas in South Carolina. He also takes a look at the wind observations and the buoy observations. According to Korte, we have a great buoy network off our coast here. “Basically, because I surf, and because weather is pretty much my life, I always kind of know what’s going on and always have a good idea of the general patterns of the place and how much surf we’re going to have.” But Korte uses all of that information to see what the ocean is doing, how much swell is out there, what the swell tide is, what the swell period is, swell direction, the different types of swell in the water, Turn to Page 16
15 Coast | The Virginian-Pilot | Friday, August 20, 2021
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“I’ve been surfing since I was 16, so I kind of just know what I’m looking at. So, it’s about combining that classroom work with that personal experience.” — Kurt Korte
Kurt Korte of Surfline at the surfing contest contest site in Ichinomiya, Japan. The Olympics debuted surfing this year at the Tokyo 2020 Games. SEAN EVANS/ISA from Page 14
and starts to formulate an idea of what that means for surfing. Then he starts writing his daily morning surf reports for Surfline’s website. Korte writes a different report not only for each of their 30 something spots on the Outer Banks, but for a good chunk of the East Coast. Surfline puts out these reports two times a day, every day, 365 days a year, no matter what. If it’s not Korte writing the report, it’s our other favorite surfcaster Rob Mitstifer, lead forecaster at Surfline. On the Outer Banks they have a team of three: Korte, Mitstifer, and a camera crewman. Next, Korte writes the short-term forecast, which is basically the forecast for the rest of the day. Will it get bigger? Will it get smaller? Will the tide help, or will it hurt? When is high tide? What is the wind going to do? Their goal is to find windows of the biggest surf and the cleanest surf, and help their users decide when they want to go surfing. This information is really helpful to users on the Outer Banks, because here things can change rapidly. According to Korte, there are a lot of crazy weather patterns that are
unique to the Outer Banks. He tells about a day recently that was a perfect example of just how dynamic weather here can be. The day started with strong onshore winds, and then there was about an hour in the morning where the conditions were pretty good, and it was clean, and then the wind came back up and it was blown out again. “So on a day like that my job is to help people take advantage of that one hour,” says Korte. The rest of the day is spent looking at wind, weather and swell models. Korte uses a swell model that Surfline itself created, called LOTUS. He uses information from that to formulate and update Surfline’s seven-day surf forecasts for the East Coast, which he also updates daily. But, he doesn’t just sit behind a computer all day, he gets out into the elements too. According to Korte, no matter how reliable a camera is, nothing replaces going to look at it yourself. He gets out on the beach to observe the surf and the weather patterns each day, but especially for significant events like a hurricane swell or a nor’easter — for his forecasts, and also for his own personal self intrigue. And he does this without the use of any
tools or contraptions. He can do this solely with the expertise of his own eye. “I’ve been surfing since I was 16, so I kind of just know what I’m looking at,” says Korte. He also has a master’s degree in meteorology from N.C. State. “So, it’s about combining that classroom work with that personal experience.” After he finishes updating the sevenday forecasts, he writes the afternoon surf report, which they also do every day, 365 days a year, where he’ll update anything that has changed since the morning. In between all of those things, Korte says he may have meetings with other forecasters, he may have a consultation with a professional surfer or two, or he may even be talking to the media if there is some kind of significant weather event going on. Korte says that if there is a significant swell going on around the globe, either Korte or one of the other surfcasters know everything about it. According to Korte, that’s the kind of stuff surf meteorologists love to nerd out on. But the real question is, does Korte get to get out in the water to take advantage of the good waves he predicts? “It’s definitely encouraged,” says Korte. In fact, according to Korte, at Surfline
they consider it an essential part of the job. “We always joke, ‘You have to validate your forecast,” he says. According to Korte, they never end a meeting without asking each other if they got to surf. Even after the Olympics he said his coworkers would say, “How was the Olympics? Get to surf?” (He did.) He feels fortunate to work at a place where they are so passionate about enjoying the lifestyle. He says even the CEO will say, “You didn’t surf? What do you mean you didn’t surf?!” But his favorite part of the job is getting to help other people enjoy the waves. He loves sitting in front of a challenging forecast, and being able to use his experience to see through the complications of the weather to produce a really good forecast. “Just the idea that I can use my experience to help people get waves,” says Korte. “Because people are always happy when they get waves. Think about after a good day of waves on the beach here — everyone is happy. Positivity is just oozing out of everyone, so helping people to take advantage of that is probably my favorite part.” “And hey, if I get to get a little sample of it, that’s great, too,” he grins.
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18
COASTAL CULTURE
Friday, August 20, 2021 | The Virginian-Pilot | Coast
Artist Mike Davis builds ‘Faces of Eve’ layer by layer By Mary Ellen Riddle Correspondent
Mike Davis has a layered approach to his current exhibit that’s visual and intellectual in nature. He puts a lot of muscle and thought into creating three-dimensional portraits that have cultural and historical backgrounds. With X-Acto knife and paint brush in hand, coupled with a wild imagination and mad skills, he created 14 portraits — “Faces of Eve,” which are on display at the Dare County Arts Council this month. The Kitty Hawk artist includes a portrait of the biblical Eve, but the series represents Eve as an allegory for women. Each work is framed to hang on a wall, but the compositions are three-dimensional, hence the need for the knife. “I have cut miles and miles of illustration board, and my arthritic fingers show that,” Davis said in a recent phone call. He uses carefully cut board, watercolor paper, paint and foam core to form compositions that evolve into a collection of women in lush backdrops wearing a variety of headdresses. He achieves his three dimensions through layering the substrates. And while his approach to painting is more graphic and flatter rather than shaded, Davis uses color to create the illusion of depth by employing contrasting and neutral colors. Add in his arresting patterns and the rich headdresses, figures and backgrounds pop. The lifelong graphic designer and illustrator includes embellished backdrops in the compo-
sitions that are inspired by the work of Alphonse Mucha, the Czech graphic artist, illustrator and painter who lived in Paris during the Art Nouveau period and was known for his stylized theatrical posters. “I’ve done a lot of research on Mucha — I’ve incorporated that kind of imagery, circular shapes and icons in them,” Davis says of his backgrounds. The late 1800s - early 1900s Art Nouveau movement was inspired by curves found in nature and that captured a sense of movement. Movement in Davis’ work comes about by employing curves and repetition of shapes. The audience will discover a pale nun with a black habit posed in front of a circular rose window found in cathedrals. There is Eve with glorious blonde tresses and a bitten apple. Verdant greenery partially blocks an oncoming storm. Quetzalcoatl’s multicolored, feathered headdress and cerulean neckpiece are set off by a solid orange orb behind the golden Aztec deity. Again, illustrating his handcrafted approach, Davis deftly painted hundreds of colored dots throughout the series that were made using a tool he created — a cake decorator with a 16th of an inch circular opening to which he glued a handle. The compositions tease the eye by his use of colorful forms and motifs such as garlands and blossoms, geometric shapes, spirals, stripes, and s-curves. Lush comes to mind when viewing these visages as well as infinite patience and skill. “I am literally building these things, and that’s the fun process,” says Davis who not
Artist Mike Davis has 14 portraits on display in his Faces of Eve exhibit at the Dare County Arts Council through Aug. 28. DARE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL/COURTESY
only handcrafts the work of art and the tool but also creates the mats and does the framing. The exhibit will include a description of how he produces his constructions. Davis brings to this series years of experience working as a graphic designer and illustrator. Armed with a degree in commercial art, he worked in his field in Washington, D.C., before moving to the Outer Banks. His portfolio includes hundreds of magazine covers, illustrations for NASA and McGraw Hill and a large body of three-dimensional fine art featuring scenes and portraiture. Most of this show’s work was created in 2020 and 2021 and veers a little from past portraits he has done. The pandemic caused the cancelling of an exhibit scheduled for last October for Davis at the arts
council, but it gave him time to experiment. “These are a little less graphic,” says Davis of the new work. “The idea is experimenting, trying to come up with a way to create an image that you feel comfortable with. The earlier ones were a little too cartoony.” Just like his technique, his series presents a layered experience. The rich artwork that jumps from the frames is, on one level, like an old-fashioned candy shop with glass jars filled with mouthwatering delights of all shapes, sizes, colors, and tastes. It’s also an imaginative and historic jaunt through time viewing women from a variety of eras and cultures. With knife and brush in hand, Davis gives us both a unique and thought-provoking experience to savor and ponder.
The Faces of Eve exhibit at the Dare County Arts Council is an imaginative and historic jaunt through time viewing women from a variety of eras and cultures. MARY ELLEN RIDDLE/COURTESY
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CURRITUCK COUNTY Small Business Spotlight
Serving the Currituck Community with a Smile
Dental Transformations expand to provide care where its needed most munity, for their overall wellbeing. We are honored to be a part of such growth, and to be an active member of the business community. Why did you choose Currituck? The choice to develop our group practices in Currituck County was largely due to the tremendous growth and growing needs within the community. What are the biggest rewards? Our patients and their health are the most rewarding. To have such influence on an individual’s selfworth, which can begin with their smile, is moving. The success stories of changing a person’s life, cannot be expressed in words.
Monique Haslam is the practice administrator for Dental Transformations located in Coinjock, NC How long have you been in business in Currituck County? We’ve served Currituck County for 4 years now, in our Currituck Dental Practice. We recently purchased Dr. Patrick Morgan’s dental offices, which he proudly owned and served the community for 20+ years. Can you describe the business? We are a group dental practice, with four offices within Pasquotank and Currituck counties. We’ve proudly served these communities for the past 6 years, as Dental Transformations and Currituck Dental. We’ve grown, to incorporate existing dental offices, where the need continues while original founders have since retired. We proudly support our military, and serve as an in-network provider for
“To have such influence on an individual’s self-worth, which can begin with their smile, is moving.” several insurances. We have also recently become a Medicaid provider. Talk about the decision to start your own business... Understanding the growing needs of the community, and that of the continued development of northeastern NC, we recognized the necessity to grow as well. As health care providers, we strive to be progressive in our approach to service those needs. Additional locations afford us the opportunity to accept more insurances, which allows us to provide care to more individuals and their families. Why do you do what you do? Having the opportunity to care for our patients is our main goal. We enjoy helping fellow members of our com-
What sets you apart? You will get a smile, and a staff that is genuinely happy to see you, and will do whatever they can to make your visit pleasant. We regard our team members and our patients as family. Any advice for someone starting a business in Currituck County? The best way to succeed is to be involved with the Chamber. Understand the power of word of mouth. While this is growing community, it is still a small community. Understanding the community, and the ability to get the word out, via social media and assistance from other local businesses is the key to success. We are neighbors... you are moving in to a neighborhood.
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Part of the fun of the WRV OBX Pro surf contest is hanging around the south beach where plenty of athletes, along with their friends, family and fans can mingle. DARYL LAW/COURTESY
JENNETTE’S PIER
Summer peaks with WRV OBX Pro By Daryl Law Correspondent
If you’re looking for some first-class entertainment, then grab your beach chair, sun block and towel before heading to the wide, clean beach at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head for the 2021 WRV OBX Pro surf contest sponsored by Pacifico. More than 150 professional athletes will converge on the southside beach for the World Surf League event starting Wednesday, Sept. 1, just before Labor Day weekend. Organizer L. G. Shaw, who works out of the Virginia Beach Wave Riding Vehicles Surf Shop, says this year’s event features equal prize purses, $10,000 each, for both men and women. By mid-August, four
dozen women and 100 men had already signed up. He noted the prize money gets distributed to “a few rounds” deep. A World Surf League Qualifying Series event, competitors go head-to-head in the waves, which break over top of a sandbar. In past years, hurricanes or nor’easters have kicked up big swells just in time for the competitions. The wave riders compete in timed heats and those who have the best rides on the best waves and accumulate the most points assigned by beachside judges then they move on to the next heat until eventually there’s an overall winner in each division — men’s and women’s. There’s also quite a scene on the beach with several sponsors including Dragon
eyewear, Catch Surf soft top surfboards and more. Just over the dune in the nearby Jennette’s parking lot, check out the WRV pop-up shop with limited edition tees, hats and commemorative posters. Pacifico has sipping samples and there’s an athlete and VIP tent on the beach where members of the WRV Model Team are often hanging out, Shaw said. Because the surf conditions can change radically from day-to-day, organizers plan to hold the contest on the best three or four days during a five-day wave window over Sept. 1 to Sept. 5. There will also be occasional beach games and giveaways to keep things interesting. “On lay days, we’ll have the soft board contest for the pros, locals and visitors if
they want to try,” Shaw said. “The pop-up shop will be open the whole time with limited edition gear and clothing and we plan to have Jeep [Outer Banks Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram] on site along with Pacifico sampling.” At night, Pacifico also plans to sponsor parties at numerous establishments along the Outer Banks with some great music, Shaw noted. The surfing heats will be streamed live thanks to the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, he noted. “Stay tuned for the locations of the after parties and events at the local watering holes,” he said. For information on surf days, party nights and the live streaming, go to wrvobxpro.com. Be there, aloha!
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