Outer Banks/Ocracoke

[imsoauburn 0]

Anybody ever been there? I'm headed there in a month and it will be my first time going to the OBX.

Looks and sounds like an awesome place but why I chose it is because I have always wanted to surf and this is supposedly the best on the East Coast(which apparently isn't saying much according to most). Can't wait though. Just thought I would see if anybody has done either. Any tips? Suggestions?

[forcera 0]

I spent a weekish there several years ago, 1998 if I remember correctly. I was 12 at the time so I wasn't involved in the planning and I don't quite remember all of it. I do remember playing golf at the one golf course out there and doing lots of fishing.

One thing that really does stick out to me is lots of driving. If you want to see anything there is lots of driving.

It's really a different world out there. I can see if I can get some more info on what we did if you would like.

[Dan1962 0]

I have been going to the OBX area for 13 years now for a week each summer to see family.

It's a very nice area.  It has many great golf courses to play.

You need to take your family to see the Wright Brothers and Jockey's Ridge also.

[imsoauburn 0]

I spent a weekish there several years ago, 1998 if I remember correctly. I was 12 at the time so I wasn't involved in the planning and I don't quite remember all of it. I do remember playing golf at the one golf course out there and doing lots of fishing.

One thing that really does stick out to me is lots of driving. If you want to see anything there is lots of driving.

It's really a different world out there. I can see if I can get some more info on what we did if you would like.

That's what I have seen said on the internet. It will probably be even more so on Ocracoke(the island where I am going). Only way to get to it is a ferry.

I have been going to the OBX area for 13 years now for a week each summer to see family.

It's a very nice area.  It has many great golf courses to play.

You need to take your family to see the Wright Brothers and Jockey's Ridge also.

Thanks, I'll have to check those things out.

[DANSBY 0]

I've been once, and I agree it is a diff't world out there.  It is fairly remote, and not a lot to do as far as nightlife or anything like that.  You pretty much have to entertain yourself.  It reminded me of when my folks would take us to Gulf Shores in the early 80's.  I would go back. 

[aubcali 449]

I've been to the Outer Banks twice back in the day.  Went surfing at the lighthouse at Cape Hatteras and Frisco Pier (don't know if the pier is still there after the 2010 hurricane) among other spots.  Back then, it was great and really undeveloped.  Only a couple spots to eat including a Dairy Queen and some hamburger place near the lighthouse.  Now, I'm sure it is a lot more developed. 

East coast has its share of great surf, but the waves are (on average) small during the summer months.  That can all change with a hurricane or tropical system off the coast.  If a low pressure comes off the coast in the Northeast, Hatteras benefits because of its natural hook out into the Atlantic so it directly receives the north swells. 

Also, great places to surf... Florida: Spanish House, Sebastian Beach, New Smyrna Inlet (and Ponce on the north side of the inlet),  Blowhole, St. Augustine, Satellite Beach (RCs back in the day), Playalinda Beach (Just north of the space center). 

You can't go wrong for surfing in Hatteras, but if it's flat, bring a fishing pole -- great fishing!  And don't surf too close to the fishing piers up there -- they will give you tickets. (Cost me $50.00 back in the day.)

One last thing:  Don't learn surfing if it's double overhead and huge.  A perfect day is when it's about 2-3 feet (waist-chest high) and a relative easy paddle out in the water. 

Have fun!

[imsoauburn 0]

I've been to the Outer Banks twice back in the day.  Went surfing at the lighthouse at Cape Hatteras and Frisco Pier (don't know if the pier is still there after the 2010 hurricane) among other spots.  Back then, it was great and really undeveloped.  Only a couple spots to eat including a Dairy Queen and some hamburger place near the lighthouse.  Now, I'm sure it is a lot more developed. 

East coast has its share of great surf, but the waves are (on average) small during the summer months.  That can all change with a hurricane or tropical system off the coast.  If a low pressure comes off the coast in the Northeast, Hatteras benefits because of its natural hook out into the Atlantic so it directly receives the north swells. 

Also, great places to surf... Florida: Spanish House, Sebastian Beach, New Smyrna Inlet (and Ponce on the north side of the inlet),  Blowhole, St. Augustine, Satellite Beach (RCs back in the day), Playalinda Beach (Just north of the space center). 

You can't go wrong for surfing in Hatteras, but if it's flat, bring a fishing pole -- great fishing!  And don't surf too close to the fishing piers up there -- they will give you tickets. (Cost me $50.00 back in the day.)

One last thing:  Don't learn surfing if it's double overhead and huge.  A perfect day is when it's about 2-3 feet (waist-chest high) and a relative easy paddle out in the water. 

Have fun!

Awesome! Thank you! Nice to hear from somebody who has done what I'm going to do, where I'm going to do it. Been wanting to do this for a long time.