The discussion about beach access on the Outer Banks is a hot topic.  As with most disagreements, both sides carry valid points.  Rather than take a stance on the subject, I’ll let a recent letter from the 9X World Surfing Champion, Kelly Slater (the Tiger Woods of surfing), speak on the subject.  The Outer Banks has a tremendous amount of natural beauty and natural resources to offer the wide variety of people that grace the coastline every year, and the views of a surfer could easily be echoed by a kiteboarder, fisherman, shell collector, bird watcher, etc. 

KELLY’S TAKE:
I’d have to say it’d be absurd not to think of waves as natural resources right alongside beaches, minerals, fish, and birds. The resource is used as a pleasure, necessity or business for everyone on earth. Surfing is used as all three things. Not only that, we surfers bring to light many of the issues that arise with regards to pollution and erosion concerns. There are no better people for the job as it is inherently connected to our everyday lifestyle.

The good fortune we’ve all had of being able to have access to surfing all the beaches along the shores of the Outer Banks has created many life long memories for tens of thousands of surfers and families who enjoy the area for all of its different resources. Many of the surfers I’ve been there with over the years are avid birdwatchers (which I find funny) and almost all of them are fishermen. Any day without surf is quickly filled with fishing and a freshly caught dinner.

I truly hope that surfing and waves and their beach access is equally considered in the decisions regarding the Outer Banks future. The Lighthouse has stood as a symbol of East Coast, and US, surfing since I can remember and is a mecca for easterners and all US surfers alike. Please consider this fact when determining the future of our sacred destination.

Sincerest Thanks.
Kelly Slater
9X World Surfing Champion, FL Native and long-time Hatteras visitor