This month’s National Park Service theme celebrates all of the ways we enjoy sporting in our parks. We invited our friend and partner Al Adam, Vice President of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association to share how their members #RecreateResponsibly and enjoy a variety of sporting activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore!
A Note from your OBX national parks: Before driving on designated off-road vehicle (ORV) routes in your permitted vehicle, we strongly recommend that tire pressure be lowered to at least 20 psi. Many local businesses have low cost or free air supply stations. ORV permits can be purchased at www.recreation.gov (search for Cape Hatteras ORV).
The North Carolina Beach Buggy Association (NCBBA) was formed to protect the tradition of being able to drive on the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore at a time when it appeared the right to do so might be lost. Although the vast majority of our members are surf fishing enthusiasts, we also have those who enjoy surfing, kite boarding, shelling, wind surfing, kite flying, birding, kayaking, turtle nest sitting and simply soaking up the wonders of some of the top beaches in the world.
The proximity of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to the gulf stream and the NC mainland creates a great place to experience a very dynamic confluence of ocean currents, winds, and exciting weather changes. A friend said to me once that Cape Hatteras is like a chin sticking out into the elements and saying, “punch me.”
It’s easy to be transfixed by the ocean action at Cape Point where many of these elements join to create a ballet of waves that is frequently compared to a washing machine. While looking for that “perfect fishing spot,” the break in the sandbar or the trough, it’s not difficult to simply get caught up in and enjoy the spectacle of the wave dynamics.
Cape Point may also be the premier location for catching large red drum on the east coast. When the right combination of wind, current and water temperature combine you stand a good chance of hooking up with what is considered to be one of the best fighting fish in the Atlantic Ocean. A 40+” citation red drum caught from the surf is an experience you’ll not forget – and learning to work it through the waves, over the break and on to the beach for a quick picture before releasing it is an education in itself!
Just like other beach endeavors, the Point is one of the areas that despite being accessible on foot, is much more comfortable for many of us to reach in our off-road vehicle (ORV). Your vehicle must be one that is legally allowed to be driven on the road, and four-wheel drive is highly recommended.
Regardless of what vehicle you use, the single greatest aspect of staying on top of the sand is to lower the air pressure in your tires – 18 PSI tire pressure or lower is recommended. Slow and gradual starts and stops, sweeping turns and consistent speeds will serve you well on your next beach driving adventure. Should you get stuck – a shovel, a board or traction mats, a tow strap and a willing good Samaritan may be adequate for the rescue. If not, there are very capable towing services available (ask me how I know!).
From Ramp 2 at Coquina Beach to Ramp 72 on Ocracoke there is a plethora of things to see and do. One of the great attractions of Cape Hatteras National Seashore is the ability to find remote and sparsely occupied beach areas that may otherwise be difficult to reach on foot but are readily accessible by ORV.
NCBBA is non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of access for all to the natural beach resources of the Outer Banks through conservation, a code of ethics for beach behavior and support of local, state, federal officials and other organizations dedicated to these same goals! The NCBBA gives back to the community and has key programs in place to accomplish these goals.
Through our scholarship program for high school seniors we have contributed more than $70,000 to Dare and Hyde County students and children of our members. We’ve also worked with the National Park Service for the past 30 years on Operation Beach Respect, a yearly beach clean-up event where our motto is “Respect for the Beaches, Respect for the Dunes, Respect for the Wildlife, Respect for the Vegetation, and Respect for Others.”
NCBBA volunteers help your park by participating in the North Carolina Adopt-A-Highway program and are responsible for cleaning route 12 from Coquina Beach to Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. In addition, the NCBBA is the Sponsor of the annual Red Drum Tournament in October held on Hatteras Island, Youth Fishing Tournaments, Photo Contests, Fishing Citation programs and Annual Grants to various Civic Groups. All of the above is in addition to our Annual Membership Meeting/Pig Pickin’ and Fishing Tournament held in May!
If you are interested in learning more about what we do please visit our website www.ncbba.org, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. If you see one of our signature blue license plates on a vehicle, ask the member about their experiences!
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