April
ESA Mid-Atlantic Surfing Championship takes place April 25-27.
Generational surfing action will dominate the scene at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina, during the ESA Mid-Atlantic Surfing Championship, April 25-27. The Eastern Surfing Association is the largest amateur surfing association in the world with family-oriented programs sometimes involving two or three generations of the same family actively competing. The association’s activities are organized into 22 districts that extend along nearly 2,000 miles of coastline stretching from Maine to the Gulf Coast of Florida, and the Great Lakes. Each district’s programs are developed and operated by volunteer directors and staff. Eleven-time world professional surfing champion Kelly Slater and former world professional women’s surfing champion Lisa Anderson both learned competitive skills through the ESA. Spread out a beach towel or pull up a beach chair along the sand and watch the surfers compete. Nearby docking locations include Pirate’s Cove Marina, Safe Harbor Outer Banks, Manteo Waterfront Marina, and Shallowbag Bay Marina. surfesa.org
Subscribe Here For More Boating Content
A New ‘Dome’ and New Surfing in Virginia Beach
There’s another reason to dock in Virginia Beach. Atlantic Park, a new mixed-use entertainment district in the beach city, is set to open this spring and summer. The project is a collaboration between musician and Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams and Venture Realty Group. The development is revitalizing the area between 18th and 20th streets at the oceanfront, adjacent to the ViBe Creative District. The park will feature a 2.6-acre surfing venue powered by Wavegarden’s modern wave generation technology and will provide year-round surfing opportunities for all skill levels. A new “Dome” amphitheater will accommodate up to 3,500 people with entertainment such as concerts, comedy shows, and sporting events. Musical acts already signed up include Three Dog Night (May 4th) and Melissa Etheridge and Joss Stone (May 5th). The development also includes 300 residential units, 106,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 10,000 square feet of office space, and 20 surf bungalows. atlanticparkvb.com
Bay Bridge Show Relocates to Kent Narrows
The Bay Bridge Boat Show is settling down in a new home this year, getting the Chesapeake Bay boating season underway at Safe Harbor Narrows Point, April 11-13. The relocation adds some interesting environs to the show, which had been located at the Bay Bridge Marina for decades. Kent Narrows is a popular destination throughout the season with many dockside restaurants and bars, an exploration/tourist center, and recreational opportunities such as the Cross Island Trail. Narrows’ waters link the mouth of the Chester River to Eastern Bay, which flows into the Chesapeake.
This show focuses on powerboats of all kinds and offers opportunities to test drive. Educational seminars are included with the $20 general admission fee. Those ages 15 and younger enter free. annapolisboatshows.com/bay-bridge-boat-show
By: Chris Knauss
