up front
If you immerse yourself in this
month’s issue, you will almost
be able to squeeze the water
out of every feature.
“Gromz2Men” is an up close
look at seven young surfers,
now in their 20s. The roster
includes Jack Brandon, our
cover boy. Brandon was one of
14 grommets when we first
featured them in 2005. Beautifully
captured under a Banks Channel
dock by photographer Joshua
Curry, Brandon typifies the young
people who flock to the beach
strand throughout the summer
months in search of surf.
In “Living History” we take
readers to the depth of the sea floor
for an underwater adventure among
spectacular marine life as we explore
the numerous wrecks that lie off-shore.
Illustrated with Brad Butler’s
gorgeous photography all shot
during his frequent dives off our
coast, the story was meticulously
researched by writer Amy Kilgore
Mangus.
You will want to wet a line when
you read Cole Dittmer’s anecdotal
history of the Crystal Pier. Though
renovations are not yet complete,
the history of the beloved pier is
intact and its restoration as one of
North Carolina’s 20 recreational
fishing piers is on the horizon.
Also on the horizon is the return
of the wahine surf contest to
Wrightsville’s shores. After a year of
regrouping, the all-new Wrightsville
Beach Wahine Classic, August 17-18
is a don’t-miss for surfer girls and
spectators.
For those who prefer freshwater to salt,
drink in the backyard oases that dot our
coast, from the ICWW waterfront and
10
WBM august 2013
the overlook on Airlie Road, to refuge
and retreat on Arboretum Drive, we
covered many points on the compass.
It was only fitting that we savor a freshly-caught,
cooked-to-order mahi-mahi for you
Publisher Pat Bradford is seen here at one of her
favorite pools ever, located off of Masonboro
Sound Road.
in “Give a Man a Fish.” Here you’ll find
four plates by four top restaurant chefs with
savory additions to try at home. And speak-ing
of home, you’ll love the beachcomber
aesthetic we discovered inside our featured
Figure Eight Island home.
Home, there’s no place quite like our
Wrightsville Beach.
Blessings!
Editor/Publisher
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLISON POTTER. MAKEUP AND HAIR WAS DONE BY BRIANNE OHERIEN BANGZ HAIR SALON.
These hot August days
have most everyone longing
to be near the water.