Surfing on the Cape Fear Coast and Sharing People Find It Hard to Separate Their Surfing Were Born After 1950 and Know Little Or Nothing the Facts with Readers

Surfingon the Cape Fear Coast

By Joseph “Skipper” Funderburg

Slapdash Publishing, LLC Carolina Beach, North Carolina, USA May 2008 ii iii iv v

Surfing This book is dedicated to my wife Sh a r i An n Ar n o l d Fu n d e r b u r g

on the Our two children: Sa r a h Ru t h Fu n d e r b u r g Jo s e p h Wi l l i a m Fu n d e r b u r g Cape Fear who have inspired me with their Coast love and devotion. It is also dedicated to my father, Wi l l i a m Sp u r g e o n “Bi l l ” Fu n d e r b u r g , Sr. by and the memory of my mother, Joseph El s i e Cl a i r e Fe r g u s Fu n d e r b u r g , my great aunt, “ S k i p p e r ” Es l i e Ri s l e y Ke e n Funderburg and my brother, Wi l l i a m Sp u r g e o n “Bu d d y ” Fu n d e r b u r g , Jr. Published by:

311 Florida Avenue Carolina Beach, NC 28428 910.232.0604 [email protected] www.carolinabeach.net

A list of photo credits, constituting a continuation of the copyright page, begins on page 136. viii ix Table of contents

1 Preface 15 Introduction 23 History Buff 31 The Beginning 35 Secret Spot 38 Early Years of Wave Riding 46 They Ride Surfboards 59 Wrightsville Beach Surf Club History 72 Wrightsville Originals Reunion 74 Wrightsville Beach Jetties and Berm 79 Carolina Beach & Kure Beach Surfing History 93 Fort Fisher Cove Surfing History 98 Surf City & Topsail Beach Surfing History 99 Long Bay Surfing History 100 Onslow Bay Surf Team 105 First Female Contemporary Surfers 110 Hobie Cats and Product Expansion 110 Water Skiing, Marine Technology 114 Butch Van Artsdalen 115 Dewey Weber 119 Surf Movie Productions 121 Author’s Roots Surfing on the 1 Cape Fear Coast 2 preface

To your author, writing about pioneer surfing riences that I have lived through. Like anyone I felt part of my work would be a persuasive es- history is similar to putting a puzzle together. else, if I had my druthers, I would take certain say. I created a book that proves a point, which As I am a piece in the puzzle, my work is to things out of my life, but not my surfing and may change the readers opinion and or clarify ponder over how all the pieces fit together, in waterman experiences. the issues. The process of causing someone an effort to understand and solve it. Pioneer to change their mind is difficult. You have to My task included, intertwining the review of, surfing history has already been marked deep- think clearly about how you stand on the mat- official town minutes, school year books, oral ly into the soul of the first handful of surfers, ter, plan your approach, use strong evidence, histories, photographs, motion picture film, through the hundreds of surfboards they have and understand the topic. Surfing heritage is public records, maps, nautical charts, court built and thousands of waves they have ridden, important to many people. I embrace the past documents and newspaper articles. The work hunted and mined. and look forward to the future. My work is of documenting surfing history requires both merely one of the many initiated needs to help The seminal event that triggered your author’s background telephone interviews and face to surfers and others understand, appreciate and writing, was my brother’s untimely death in face conversations with all sorts of people. benefit from the surfing communities long and 1996. The connection between that tragic loss Many, but not all of them forthright, willing, ar- interesting past. It is my mission to develop of a loved one and dramatic impact on my fam- ticulate, prepared or amiable. It is a struggle projects to recognize and increase awareness ily life, created the power of origination and for me, as an amateur historian to attempt to of the Cape Fear Coast pioneer surfer’s con- ability to write. As well, a traumatic childhood relay information from tacit knowledge. To pull tributions and identify significant activities in around the sea is a gift that keeps on giving to unarticulated information out of people, then local surfer history. a writer. Your author has a naturally curious na- get it down as explicit written knowledge, is a ture, so I enjoy learning about the development tough nut to crack, to say the least. Sometimes Many of the current Cape Fear Coast surfers of surfing on the Cape Fear Coast and sharing people find it hard to separate their surfing were born after 1950 and know little or nothing the facts with readers. There are two very spe- memories, so the interrelatedness of all of it is about valid local surfing history. It was a fabu- cific and different readers – the learned society complex. Although at times it was particularly lous start from all the good vibrations created and scholarly historians. For the most part, I painful, I recognized the fact that once the old- by the original pioneer surfers and it needs to wanted the book to be interesting and infor- er surfers pass away, their memories and tacit be remembered that way. I see it as a much- mational to the learned society. As I write, a knowledge are gone, just gone forever. I had needed entity in the surfing community. certain contentment settles over me. My writ- to do it myself and I became reinvigorated by ing pen is not possessed, nor do the words and the work. It is time for that belated praise. phrases flow out of me like a flood. The words September 2007. leak out. I decided to write a narrative of expe-

Ultimate Quiver

A quiver of surfboards is a requirement of the author, based on his love of cornucopia surf. Obligatory are his magic, good all around long boards for mid- size waves and full on guns for big wave riding.

Prepared surfers are in a state of readiness for any type of surf.

9 Surfing on the 10 Cape Fear Coast 1960’s Surf Ads Surfing on the 11 Cape Fear Coast 12

Kathryn Hoffman A genuine Carolina Girl Surfing on the Cape Fear Coast

Back in the Day 15 Surfing on the 16 Cape Fear Coast Introduction

This is your author’s first published book on It was on the Cape Fear Coast our jovial little generate a connection between our local surf- Island. The south facing beaches of Long Bay The surfboard images in the book illustrate Cape Fear Coast surfing history. I am not a group held court with many friends and ad- ing heritage and our present identity of who are Caswell Beach, Yaupon Beach, Long Beach, types of surfboards used during different time professional journalist, historian or writer. It is mirers. We grew up at a unique time on some we are today. Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset periods in the Cape Fear Region and other a nostalgic record, illustrated as a participant of the finest beaches in North Carolina. These Beach. Today, the beaches of Long Bay are areas. On certain occasions one may observe The Southeastern North Carolina coastline is with a first hand perspective. It is an educa- surfers athletic, but graceful surfing abilities, also known as the South Brunswick Islands or some of the vintage surfboards being used in known as the Carolina Coast or Azalea Coast. tional, entertaining work published for the pur- hot dogging skills combined with tricks won Brunswick County Beaches. the ocean. However, many of the surfboards Southeastern North Carolina is also known as pose of historic preservation. The book is not many surfing competitions and hearts, in the are too valuable or rare and would never be the Cape Fear Region, due to there proximity a complete history of Cape Fear Coast surfing early years. Some of the Cape Fear Coast’s for- The Cape Fear Coast is approximately 90 miles seen in the surf. Most of the surfboards are to the Cape Fear River and Cape Fear River history, but a collection of historical facts or tunate sons, daughters and favorite local surf- long, from the northern South Carolina state connected to the surfing legends and heroes Basin. According to the Cape Fear Council of legendary events. The majority of the book is ing heroes of the era, inspired gaggles of ener- line to the north end of Topsail Island, North that rode them, thus representing a direct link Governments, the Cape Fear Region includes written as a personal memoir. I have provided getic youngsters to fall in love with surfing and Carolina. The east facing beaches of Onslow within an era. In July 2007 Quicksilver Edition the counties of New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick an insightful, accurate, credible and well orga- the waterman approach to life. We are distin- Bay are approximately 55 miles long. The south Hawaiian Islands Vintage Surf Auction was held and Columbus. It is noted, Columbus County nized record, based on information available at guished as the first contemporary surfing pio- facing beaches of Long Bay are approximately in Honolulu, Hawaii. In fact, a 1963 11’ Surfboards does not border on the Atlantic Ocean and the time of publication. neers on the Cape Fear Coast. 35 miles long. Hawaii – Buzzy Trent Model, shaped by Dick the northern end on Topsail Island is in Onslow Brewer, pre auction estimate was $12,500 to County. The Eastern Surfing Association’s The subject matter location is based on NOAA The book identifies the first handful of mysteri- The book targets natives or long time resi- $17,500. The surfboard sold for $33,000. ous riders of the sea, who made and composed dents of the Cape Fear Coast who are athletes, Southern North Carolina District stretches Nautical Chart Number 11520, Cape Hatteras, North Carolina to Charleston, South Carolina. the rightful surfing soul of the Cape Fear Coast. water sports enthusiasts, lifeguards, watermen from Surf City to the northern South Carolina As a lifetime surfer, I have sought out and dis- The area of interest does not include the It is a coming of age book about regional wa- and waterwomen. It specifically targets surfers state line. Therefore, for the purpose of this covered a wealth of knowledge on the subject northern area of Onslow Bay, north of New ter front cultures and the Cape Fear Coasts born before 1950, with the exception of a few book the area of interest is defined as the Cape and come up with a well balanced mix. As a River Inlet, North Carolina. The area of inter- amateur contemporary surfers. It is about the individuals and families. The book also focuses Fear Coast. surfers anthology, my “feel” breathes new life est does not include the southern area of birth of a beach phenomenon, its growth, but on historically and culturally significant events and warmth into this volume. As the spirit of The following areas are identified as the loca- Long bay, south of Little River Inlet, on the prior to the dramatic cultural changes of the that occurred before 1965, with some excep- surfing rolls on, I am constantly reminded of tions where contemporary surfing began be- North Carolina, South Carolina state line. The late 1960’s. The book identifies the who, what, tions. The limited timelines identify the true my deep affection for the marvelous sea, as fore 1965. The east facing surfing beaches of National Oceanographic and Atmospheric when and where, as well as the how and why. It founders that popularized Cape Fear Coast majestic, as it is magnificent. It is my hope, this Onslow Bay are North Topsail Beach, Topsail Administration Weather Service provides lo- is a worthy work based on timeliness, proximity, contemporary surfing. It also documents their book will bring the reader closer to the thrill Beach, Surf City, Lea Hutaff Island, Figure Eight cal marine weather broadcasts, including sea consequence, human interest and usefulness. contributions to the overall character of the de- of surfing and a deeper appreciation for those Island, Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro Island, conditions. NOAA Weather Service defines velopments of surfing on the Cape Fear Coast. blessed with a lifetime of stoke. Carolina Beach, Wilmington Beach, Hanby It is an effort to concentrate on doing more to the Cape Fear Region as New Hanover County, Beach, Kure Beach, Fort Fisher and Baldhead Pender County and Brunswick County. Before 1899 - Ancient Period 1900 to 1945 - Modern Period

1899 1908 Carolinian, Alexander Hume A.H. Ford founds Ford discovers Hawaii, The Outrigger Canoe Club en route to Asia. in Waikiki, Hawaii. The oldest surfing 1907 organization in the world. 1945 1898 A.H. Ford A.H. Ford dies in Hawaii, settles in buried in Georgetown, SC. 1777 William “Hutaff” Niestlie, cofounds Hawaii. 1912 Captain James Cook Hanover Seaside Club, James Jordan utilizes a Carolina Beach, NC. surfboard in Virginia Beach. observes surfing in Hawaii. 1939 Tom Blake styled hollow 1866 lifesaving surfboards used by Author Mark Twain surfing lifeguards at Carolina Beach. in Hawaii.

1820s In Hawaii, American 1868 Calvinist missionaries ban Alexander Hume Ford surfing outright, almost born in South Carolina. erradicating it. 1872 In travelogue, early 1920s Roughing It, Twain Lewis Phillip Hall surfs on describes surfing to wooden plank boards at the American public. Wrightsville Beach. 1850 1899 1900 1945

Solid Redwood & Wili-Wili Wood

Hollow Spruce & Mahongany

Ancient board 1946 to 1966 - Contemporary Period 1967 to 1991 - Commercialization Period

1962 1982 Wipeout, by the Surfaris, UNCW Surf Club 1955 is released. J.M. Binkley (middle) officially chartered. 1991 gifts a fiberglass balsa Jet propelled, surfboard to Bill Creasy of FlowRider Wrightsville Beach, NC. 1964 1978 wave machine, East Coast Surfboards Surf City Surf Shop opens on popularized. founded, Carolina Beach, NC. Wrightsville Beach, NC. 1959 1967 1982 The movie, Gidget, shows The movie, Endless Summer, The Cove Surf Shop opens at the Colony Theatre, in shows at the Crest Theatre, in Carolina Beach, NC. Wilmington, NC. 1962 at Wrightsville Beach. 1976 Wrightsville Beach Sweetwater Surf Shop founded 1983 Surf Club founded. 1967 on Wrightsville Beach, NC. Record Bar Pro-Am surfing 1990 1959 Eastern Surfing Association competition began at Aussie Island Surf founded. The author’s college Wrightsville Beach, NC.. Shop opens in roommate, Stanley 1965 Wilmington, NC. Winbourne, surfs on 1970 1977 1985 Surfing wax becomes an Introduction of the Allison Surfboards Wrightsville Beach, Eastern Skateboard Supply available accoutrement. surfboard leash. founded in with a fiberglass founded in Wilmington, NC. and balsa board he Wilmington, NC. purchased in Virginia Beach, VA. 1960 Surfer Magazine founded. 1946 1966 1967 1991 Fiberglass over foam shortboard Fiberglass over balsa with fin

Fiberglass over foam longboard 1992 to Present - Global Period

1992 Tow-In surfing (behind a PWC) popularized in 1999 Hawaii. Wrightsville Beach Longboard Association formed. 1993 Cape Fear chapter of Surfrider Foundation, chartered in 2002 Wilmington, NC. Cape Fear Surfing Archive, UNCW, founded at William M. Randall Library. 1995 Computer programmed surfboard shaping machine invented. 2003 WBLiveSurf.com launched. 1997 Durable molded surfboards become common. 2004 UNCW offers a course on the history of surfing.

1992 Present

Source for graph (right): US Army Corps of Engineers Wave Information Study 1980-1999 Machine molded (Wave height >2 feet) surfboard 23 Surfing on the 24 Cape Fear Coast

gotten and left along the wayside. Somebody had to pick it up and get it done. I hungered to get it done and I longed for it. The concepts history buff of the mission are conservation, preservation and education. History will remember us, our intrigues, peccadilloes and luck which have One night I went to bed and I was 18 years old. surfing pioneers would have been like having steered the course of Cape Fear Coast surf- The next morning I woke up and I was 58 years a country breakfast without eggs, leaving out ing history. They deserve to be known and old. The older I got, the better it was. The sim- the main ingredient. It made me feel like I was recognized. ple fact is, time goes by so much faster as we forgotten, but not gone. To put it in sailor talk, age. When one looks back at the past, things it made me feel #*%@!!! If, I felt under appreci- The immediacy of my task has been driven by look one way. When one looks forward into ated or unheralded, that was my fault. It did the fact that your author is facing 60 years the future, things look another way. It is this not dampen my spirits or plague my goals. old. I am hailing hardy, but my body is almost difference that makes it difficult to compare Therefore, I decided to do something about it 60 years old. The timeliness of my task is also and criticize sometimes. As you get older, you and became committed to documenting Cape driven by the fact that several of my closest don’t look at the world the way you used to. I Fear Coast surfing history, as seen through a friends are facing imminent life threaten- returned to my native roots in North Carolina, pioneer surfer’s eyes. That is how it should be ing health issues. I am working furiously and after almost 30 years of sea duty, I was bitten remembered. prefer to publish what I have now, instead of by the history buff bug. I am an amateur histo- leaving thousands of words as an unpublished rian and vintage video film archivist. I became Fortunately, I had my oldest pioneer surfing manuscript. fascinated with the largely unexplored history friends to rely on and my preservation work Life has taught me the ordinary is precious of Cape Fear Coast surfing. I have chosen the accelerated. I had the need to conduct the his- and a normal day with the average person is topic of Cape Fear Coast surfing history be- torical documentation to put a face on the very a treasure. Mark Twain once said, “There was cause I have strong feelings about it, I know abstract ideas about what a pioneer surfer’s never yet, an uninteresting life.” I know the the issues and I was clear where I stood on the life was like. As I discovered, the resurrection tickled pink feeling I get when I see a loved issues. I felt strongly that it ought to be done of the old surfing days often raises perplexing one or old friend that I have not seen in a long by a local pioneer surfer and I refused to let questions. Over the decades, the complex web of friendships, family relationships, and shared time. It may be sweet, bitter, joyous or sad, our history slide into obscurity. My surfing his- Contestants at the South Atlantic Surfing Championships, experiences are embedded in their memories. but to your author it is a precious moment. If, tory work gives you a personal touch with that Carolina Beach, NC - 1966 A lot of people have great ideas about what to I am surfing and an old friend paddles up, my time. Joe Funderburg, standing on right in plain dark jacket, with First place trophy. do and what they want to see showcased, but stoke is doubled. If, I am at anchor and a friend Back Row, Left to Right: Eddie Miller, Frank Weiss, Robert Penny, Donnie Lentz, I discovered many of the contributions of the there are so many obstacles. It is too difficult drops his anchor near mine, my enjoyment Sonny Danner, Billy Hegemann, Howard Congleton, Robert Parker, founders of Cape Fear Coast surfing lacked to get off the ground – bogged down. It was is doubled. We simply surfed a different way Rodney Everhart, Joe Funderburg, Doug Horne, Richard Verzaal. recognition and the work path forward was also a chance to meet nearly forgotten surf- because we were raised in the surf lifesaving Front Row, Left to Right: Mike Marsh, Phil Winters, Dean Monk, Bill Curry, painfully clear. I felt like having a Cape Fear ing friends. I feel as though the mission is too movement. Once the people pass away, that Lucy Price, Nancy Price. Coast surfing portfolio without the original important to let go. I truly felt it was being for- is the gift we wish for – the tickled pink, giddy 25 Surfing on the 26 Cape Fear Coast

feeling of being together. They are gone and a price. When money is involved, things get Common to historical documentations, history we cannot catch up anymore. I miss the feel- serious. The vocational approach is disguised is often documented by those who reside in ing of connection or union – history happens. as many things, but in the end, it’s all about the region their entire lives and those with the making money. There are some strong differ- wearwithal to provide the time and availabil- In the beginning, I found myself suspended ences in the vocational or recreational groups, ity. Much of the current surfing and waterman between a neither world of what the power- which only adds diversity, but that has not cre- Cape Fear Coast history has been document- ful surf industry reports as valid surfing history ated fundamental differences – we all love to ed by those who have remained on the Cape and reports of surfing history by less luminary, surf. Some surfers are simply more ambivalent Fear Coast their entire lives – the geography merely mortal individuals like myself. I have ac- about competition than others. While some factor. Virtually everyone remembers notable cepted my station in life and made peace with will chagrin, others will delight at the loudest persons, but our local surfing history is full of it. I am reasonably comfortable with this life crowing rooster. Suffice it to say, that these examples that belie that notion. I have spent al- and would not change it. We were not ignored are issues about which reasonable people will most 30 years of my adult life living away from or spurred by the surfing power structure. differ. the Cape Fear Coast. I simply furthered my de- There are two general approaches to surfing, velopment by traveling by sea. It is a common as a vocation or as a recreation. For the most In the early days before 1965, surfing lacked thread that some people have a well estab- part, my approach has always been the recre- productive enterprises collectively. The beach lished history of moving away from their fami- ational, fun side. elders generally discouraged surfing, so we lies to earn more money in a bigger coastal city, spent a lot of energy just trying to be accept- but they do not forget where they come from. As the recognition for the pioneer surfers ed. A major change came with the formation moves forward, I have not lost sight of the of the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) in After, the 1960’s, there was a lot of the world contributions of the professional or amateur 1967, organizing surfers in a brotherhood and I had not seen and things I had not done be- new school surfers. I embrace the vocational sisterhood that would fight for maintaining fore, so I went out and did them, but I always approach, at least their focus on the good- and enhancing surfing rights throughout the wanted to come back home. The most com- ness of the surfing lifestyle. The vocational eastern seaboard. Once the ESA was orga- mon theme is a longing to be, back home. approach involves gainful occupation in a nized, the competition – commercial aspect of There is a longing to be recognized once one highly competitive surf industry. It is won- surfing started overtaking the lifestyle side of gets back home, but that is a world unto it- derful people make a living off surfing, but it surfing and a line in the sand was drawn. The self. It is a good thing to be recognized, but it does change things. Their success is great for ESA provided a sophisticated management doesn’t happen all the time. There is a similar surfing. I am appreciative and stoked to see style and did a great job of organizing surfing life there, but it is very different. Your author’s so many people making a living providing so in a better way. immortalized view of his youth is a common many products and services, but it does have on the 121 Surfing Cape Fear Coast 122 Authors roots

It is the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean raised with George Henry Hutaff, (1874-1957) Nissen Families have been members of the St. 1967 dispute at the marina, an angry boat cap- out swimming shoes, stockings or leggings to that has held us. It has been said that historians and Tabitha Cromwell Hutaff (1877-1964). The Paul’s Evangelical Church for more than a hun- tain shot a gun at Clyde Harrelson. The bullet a church beach picnic. The drag of 25 pounds insist that writers live in the places they are go- Hutaff Family owned and operated the Coca dred years. missed Clyde, but killed my great aunt, Alice of sodden bathing suit material was enough to ing to be writing about, so that they really get Cola Bottling Company of Wilmington. The Funderburg Harrelson. drag a woman under water and drown her. The From Wilmington, it was a long, rough sandy to know the background before putting pen to magnificant Memorial Clock on the north east nerve only men could swim, women were ex- roadway or an adventurous boat trip down the In the mid 1700’s Funderburg pioneers and paper. It is for that reason I include my fam- corner of North Front Street and Walnut Street, pected to wade and lollygag in the wavelets. Cape Fear River to Carolina Beach in the late explorer’s arrived in the coastal Carolina’s, via ily background in this book. My combined ma- Wilmington, in front of Cape Fear Community 1800’s. In the spring of 1906 the electric trolly the “Old Wagon Road.” My paternal grandpar- As well, the roots of the Fergus or maternal side ternal and paternal roots are approximately 16 College was dedicated in honor of George car line had been constructed from Wilmington ents were Louise Niestlie (1895-1969) and John of my family run deep on the Cape Fear Coast. generations deep in the Cape Fear Coast. Life Henry Hutaff, (1874–1957). Lea Hutaff Island, lo- to Wrightsville Beach. Months in the planning, Braudaus Funderburg, Sr. (1901-1971). Alice Dr. James Fergus, surgeon and magistrate co- by the sea is in my genetic makeup. I have sea cated between Figure Eight Island and Topsail the founders and charter members of the Funderburg Harrelson’s brother was my grand- founded the Town of Brunswick on the banks water in my veins. Island is named after the Hutaff Family and Hanover Seaside Club purchased property on father, John Braudaus Funderburg. My grand- of the Cape Fear River. New Hanover County Lea Family. The southern portion of the island Wrightsville Beach, just north of the Lumina father’s other sister was Rose Lee Funderburg, and Brunswick County courts recorded real es- Your author is Joseph Edward “Skipper” is known as Hutaff Island and the northern por- Pavilion. Finally, the Hanover Seaside Club on who married John David Canady of Saint Paul’s tate transactions between the Fergus Family Funderburg (1948- ). The roots of the tion of the island is known as Lea Island. Funderburg or paternal side of my family run Carolina Beach sustained severe damage due and Tarheel, NC. Their son, David Spurgeon and others, as early as 1731. The maternal side deep on the Cape Fear Coast. In 1898, my pa- Dr, William “Hutaff” Niestlie married Katherine to a hurricane in fall of 1906 and was not re- Canady owned real estate on Topsail Island as of my family continued to prosper, participat- ternal great grandfather, Dr. William “Hutaff” Baker (1859-1919). Katherine Baker Niestlie was built. The Hanover Seaside Club was rebuilt on early as the 1960’s. Clyde Harrelson was devel- ing in significant events and made many out- Niestlie (1860-1933) was a founder of the a well respected homemaker and participated Wrightsville Beach, because access was made oping parts of Topsail Island and sold the land standing achievements during the early 1700’s Hanover Seaside Club on Carolina Beach. in many church activities. In 1869, the Baker easier by the new electric trolly line. to David Spurgeon Canady. We attended nu- through the late 1800’s. The Fergus family grew The Niestlie Family migrated to America from (Bocher-Bacher) Family was in the second merous gatherings and family reunions at the into agriculture, then went in the fishing and Your author is a descendant of Alice Funderburg Switzerland and Germany in the mid 1800’s. pastorate of Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Canady’s, Topsail Beach home. fish distribution business in the late 1800’s.. (1908-1967) and Clyde Willis Buddy Harrelson During the 1860’s, Dr. William “Hutaff” Niestlie’s Church, 12 North 6th Street, Wilmington. By (unknown-2005) developers of Harrelson’s Nell Jewel Funderburg of South Carolina was Your author is a relative of Captain John Hazard (1860-1933) biological parents, Joseph Niestlie the early 1900’s, Niestlie Drug Store, 415 North Marina (Oak Winds Marina), between Pages John Bradus Funderburg, Sr.’s sister. Their fa- Hanby (1841-1910) and his son, Captain John and Louisa Gade Niestlie, died of a fever in New Seventh Street, Wilmington, was established Creek and Howe Creek along Middle Sound ther, Baxter Spurgeon Funderburg (1859-1934) Ranquill Hanby (1872-1948), who owned and York City. At approximately 6 years old, Dr. and was the future home of the Community Loop Road, Wilmington. It was built in 1940 and was a Baptist Minister and circuit preacher operated the Atlantic View Hotel on Harbor Niestlie was moved to North Carolina, adopt- Hospital. Dr. Niestlie was the longtime propri- was the first marina in the Middle Sound Area. during the horse and buggy days in South Island, Wrightsville Beach around 1905. The ed and raised by Henry Hutaff, Sr. (1834-1893) etor and an advocate for public health in the The Harrelson family provided marine services Carolina. His daughter, Nell Jewel Funderburg, hotel was destroyed by fire. Hanby Beach, and his wife Elisa Gade Hutaff (1838-1924) community. He was a respected pharmacist for many years and dredged properties on the was outgoing and reported to be “a shocker” just north of Kure Beach was named after of Wilmington. Elisa Gade Hutaff and Louisa and country doctor. Niestlie, Funderburg and entire 90 miles of the Cape Fear Coast. In a for wearing a single piece bathing suit, with- Archibald Joseph Hanby (1868-1926), who Gade Niestlie were sisters. Dr. Niestlie was Surfing on the 123 Cape Fear Coast 124 The Fergus Ark Restaurant Cape Fear River - A delicious smorgasbord and gracious southern hospitality.

cramps. Therefore, I am a relative of Carolina Your author is a direct descendent of Virginia Beach Mayor Roy Clark Fergus (1885-1947). Mae McFadyen Fergus (1920-1993) and Ivan He served as Mayor from 1935 to 1943. In the Eldridge Fergus (1914-1998), who owned fall of 1940, a terrible fire decimated much and operated the world famous floating Ark of the beach business district. Mayor Fergus Restaurant in Wilmington, from 1951 to 1965. responded by strengthening and enforcing Two of their daughters are Dolly Ruth Fergus building regulations and codes on Carolina Bidwan and Virginia “Ginny” Fergus Mullinax. Beach. A combination of Mayor Fergus’ and They are the first female surfers on the Cape citizens’ efforts resulted in the area becom- Fear Coast. Ivan Eldridge Fergus was the son ing known as, “The South’s Miracle Beach.” of Roy Clark Fergus The Ark was moored on Mayor Fergus was owner of R. C. Fergus and the Cape Fear River at the foot of Princess Sons Wholesale Seafood. I am a relative of Street. Walking down the gangway and into Ray Funderburk, Town Manager of Carolina the elegant vessel, customers were greeted by Beach during the 1970’s. I am a direct descen- the gracious Fergus Family. The Fergus family dent of Estelle Eloise Sally Fergus (1896-1982) was the personification of southern hospitality developed portions of Hanby Beach. Hanby Risley Fergus (1892-1991) was my maternal and John Vail Fergus (1887-1971), owner of the and they were renown for their delicious food. Beach was easily recognized with it’s unusu- grandmother. Risley’s Cottages and Rooms on John Fergus Motel and Cottages on Carolina The Ark’s were eventually built on land through ally high sand dunes. Hanby Beach was well Harper Avenue, in Carolina Beach, owned and Beach. The beach resort had the first swim- out the Cape Fear Coast, with each building known for the abundance of fish during the operated by the Risley family. ming pool on Pleasure Island and a well known architecturally embellished with a bow, stern spring and fall fishing seasons. It is also likely My maternal great grandfather was Daniel John gift shop. The Fergus Motel and Apartments and smokestack. The Fergus family built and that Hanby Beach was named after Captain Fergus (1858-1933). It is interesting, that my was an institution during the 1940’s through operated the Fergus Ark Restaurant at 1414 John Hazard Hanby, a prominent fisherman great great grandmothers birthplace is record- the 1960’s on Carolina Beach and was located Airlie Road, Wrightsville Beach. The Fergus The elder Captain Hanby was a contemporary ed on her death certificate, as Atlantic Ocean. on the corners of South Lake Park Boulevard Family sold it to the State on North Carolina of Captain Hans A. Kure, Sr. (1851-1914), found- My grandfather, Frank Thompson Fergus and Hamlet Street. John Vail Fergus told me and is currently known as the Bridgetender er of Kure Beach. The Fergus-Risley side of the (1892-1938), Roy Clark Fergus (1885-1947) and on several occasions about surfing on wooden Restaurant. family is related to the Hanby Family. John Vail Fergus (1887-1971) were brothers. As plank boards in his youth on Carolina Beach. My immediate Fergus-Funderburg family My maternal great aunt, Eslie Risley Keen recorded on his death certificate, their older Estelle and John Fergus’s daughter is Johnnye owned and operated apartment rentals and (1889-1985), was like a mother to me, dur- brother, Henry Thompson Fergus (1881-1938) Marie Fergus Pearce (1946-). boat charters on Wrightsville Beach for many ing various periods of my youth. Mary Hunter drowned in the inland waterway, due to years. I am a former owner and resident of 4 Surfing on the 125 Cape Fear Coast 126

Channel Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. My moth- ful environmental activist whose initiative fo- er, Eslie Claire Fergus Funderburg (1924-2005) cused on protecting water quality in the ma- was an aqua belle icon on Wrightsville Beach rine environment. He worked with several and the Cape Fear Coast for many years. By community groups to reduce water pollution the 1940’s her modus operandi, including our and strengthen environmental programs. He is beach bivouac, was not purely recreation, it also an accomplished business man, he devel- was a medically mandated practice prescribed oped and dredged many locations on the Cape and monitored by her physicians. Her reputa- Fear Coast, including Parmele Isle, Wrightsville ble physician’s made a virtue out of the thera- Beach. My brother was William Spurgeon peutic value of aquatic exercise. She was one “Buddy” Funderburg, Jr. (1944-1996) and par- of the first USCG licensed female boat cap- ticipated in many of the family activities. My tains in North Carolina, a regional and state beloved brother served as lifeguard and men- tennis champion. As well, she served as the tor, as he was four years my senior. Your author local Welcome Wagon Representative with was the fortunate son, that grew up as boat the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. The boy, lifeguard, water ski mate, then skipper Funderburgs beloved vessels Winner and Claire under the tutelage of a mother’s and father’s carried 1000’s of residents and visitors through guiding hand. We were taught to love and re- the Cape Fear Coast sounds boat riding, wa- spect the river, beach and sea - with a purple ter skiing and on to the wild islands for picnics, passion. shelling, swimming, fishing, beach combing The Fergus and Funderburg families have and surfing. For my family, prowling the sea- been involved in numerous different activi- shore was doctor’s orders and personal water ties on the Cape Fear Coast since the 1700’s: 1. Funderburg residence 2. Shuny’s Arcade & Grill savvy in rough or calm water was mandatory. 3. Robert’s Grocery 4. Crest Theatre medical services, legal services, agriculture, 5. Columbia Street 6. Jetty 7. Wit’s End Pub My father, William Spurgeon Funderburg, Sr. real estate, general contracting, marine dredg- 8. Ocean Surf Shop 9. King Neptune Restaurant (1924-), was a locomotive engineer, general ing and marina development, fisherman, sea- 10. Wilmington Light Infantry Club 11. Bill & Elaine Creasy’s Residence roundhouse supervisor and general diesel and food distributors, seafood restaurants, vaca- steam supervisor at the Atlantic Seaboard tion rental apartments, boat charters, yachting, Coastline Railroad, Wilmington. He provided welcome wagon service, tourist industry, com- the financial benefits that supported the fam- munity service and much more. Your author’s The Fergus-Funderburg residence on Channel ily’s numerous activities. My father provided an knowledge comes from many years of coastal Avenue, Station One, Wrightsville Beach. aquatic permission slip so our family could en- heritage. Our love of the sea is passed down generation, after generation. I revere my God – joy a time and place entirely removed from the Columbia Street is far left – A favorite surfing jetty on fearing, seafaring ancestors. messy business of survival. He is a resource- the Atlantic Ocean is exposed by erosion. Surfing on the 127 Cape Fear Coast 128

9’2” Hawaiian Pro Board by Donald Takayama (2000) Triple fin design, blue. Surf Tech II, resin colored, beveled rail in tail, very sharp turning, turns on a dime.

Surf Rider Original artwork by Gary Longordo. Wilmington, NC. Custom Balsa & Redwood Surfboards Replica Surfboards From 1930s Wall Hangers & Surfboard Coffee Tables

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Serving the Cape Fear Coast and Hilo, Hawaii.

Spencer Surfboards Owner Mike Spencer Since 1965 [email protected] 808.443.6711 Surfing on the 131 Cape Fear Coast 132

About the Author Joseph “Skipper” Funderburg

Your author is a renown Cape Fear Coast 10’4” Hobie Surfboards Dick Brewer model pioneer surfer and waterman. He is known for (2002) his humor, perseverance and unsinkable nature. Ultimate shape for big wave He grew up on the Cape Fear Coast, started boarding. One of the most in- his apprenticeship in surfing in the mid 1950s, demand big wave boards. played around with balsa surfboards in the late 1950s and then helped popularize stand up surfing by the early 1960s. He has worked as a horse stable owner and construction manager, but beginning in 1968 and for more than a third of a century, his work life was spent as a professional ship or yacht captain. He has lived a waterman’s life and ridden waves all over the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and elsewhere. As a well-seasoned traveler and a master mariner, the treasures he liberated always included good surf. He has been writing about surfing for over forty years and serves as the native Cape Fear Coast’s preeminent surfing historian. He currently resides on the Cape Fear Coast with his wife and two children.

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Acknowledgements Photo Credits

Your author sincerely thanks and gratefully Daniel Ray Norris Herman Pritchard acknowledges the help, advice and encouragement www.carolinabeach.net 88 of the following:

Daniel Ray Norris, Slapdash Publishers, LLC Kenny Onufrock Outrigger Canoe Club Peter Fritzler, University of North Carolina, Wilmington www.dpsurfer.com Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii Beverly Tetterton, New Hanover County Public Library cover flap, v, vi, vii, 27, 30, 130, 133, 134, 136 39 Joseph Sheppard, New Hanover County Public Library Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle, Jr., UNCW John Braswell R.L. “Buddy” Riggs Janet Davidson, Cape Fear Museum Ryan Pierce, Wrightsville Beach Museum Skipper & Shari Funderburg www.braswellphoptography.com iii, 136, 138 Sylvia Holleman, Wrightsville Beach Town Clerk 14, 28, 65, 66, 99, 107, 108, 111, 112, 124 Lynn Prusa, Carolina Beach Town Clerk W.B. “Bill” Creasy Nancy Nelson, NHC Vital Records Brooks Pearce 19 Barbara Curtis, Seaside Computer Tutoring www.brooksstudioandartgallery.com Jimmy Benson and Lyndsay Benson, Cove Surf Shop Surfing on the Chris Jackson & Dean Lassiter, Aussie Island Surf Shop 81, 82, 87, 95, 96 Cape Fear Surfing Archive, UNCW Federal Point Historic Preservation Society Cape Fear Coast library.uncw.edu/surf Bill Dennis, PE, USACE Jimmy Allen and Jeff Allen viii, ix, 3, 4, 13, 24, 29, 31 ,32, 34, 37, 43, Copyright © 2008 by Joseph Funderburg Lower Cape Fear Historical Society cover, ii, iii, 25, 70, 91, 92, 101, 127, 137 64, 85 102, 105, 109, 113, 114, 126, 131, Jim Sullivan, Contributing Editor Published by SlapDash Publishing, LLC 132, 135, 138 Leona Bear Group Carolina Beach, NC Cecil Lear, East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame & Museum David Michael “Mike” Watters Will Lucas, Surf64 Productions, Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be re- 117, 118 New Hanover County Public Library Bill Bringhurst, Ocean Promotion produced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted North Carolina Room Surf Shops of the Cape Fear Coast by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy- Mike Spencer www.nhcgov.com Fellow Archivists, Authors, Historians & Preservationists ing, recording, or otherwise – without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed 74 18, 45, 72, 79, 80 with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in Dave Thomas NC Department of Cultural Resources the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. www.dptconstruction.com www.ncculture.com The Future... Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting 73 (*News & Observer, Raleigh, NC) from the use of the information contained herein. 18, 23, 50, 51, 52, 83*, 89*, 90*, 122, 123* I have done my best to get a number of people in- Trademarks: All terms mentioned in this book that are Steve Everhart terested in this endeavor. This is a call to everyone known to be trademarks or service marks have been 47, 97 Cape Fear Museum of History & Science out there interested in contributing to my future appropriately capitalized. SlapDash Publishing LLC www.capefearmuseum.com books. I would hope you contact me and contrib- cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Use Charles Davis 41, 42, 49 ute to the body of the work. I am constantly on the of a term in this book should not be regarded as af- hunt for photos, articles, artifacts and video film that fecting the validity of any trademark or service mark. 104 can be scanned or photographed and presented in US Army Corp of Engineers a pleasing way so that others can enjoy them. You Warning and disclaimer: Every effort has been made to make this book as complete and as accurate as Jackie Parker Sears www.usace.army.mil.com may be surprised at things other people find inter- possible, but no warranty of fitness is implied. The 100, 103 76, 77, 78, 84, 93, 94 esting. I will keep you posted on the website with information is provided on an “as is” basis. The au- news and information on the development of subse- thor and the publisher shall have neither liability nor quent books. Please, contact me if you have some- responsibility to any person or entity with respect Gary Longordo MGM Studios thing you would like to contribute to a future book. to any loss or damages arising from the information 128 75 [email protected] contained in this book.

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Sarah and Joey Funderburg Author’s children, July 2007