Surfing and Surf Culture in Southeast North Carolina

Joseph Funderburg recounts his experience of the '60s surfing scene on Wrightsville Beach, including the Wrightsville Beach surf club which formed in reaction to the town council's attempt to impose restrictive surf zones on local surfers. Funderburg also describes the early surfing competitions held near Wrightsville Beach, such as the 1966 South Atlantic Surfing Championships. In addition, he discusses his relationships with many other local surfing notables.

Interview of Mr. Robert V. Parker, arguably the first surfer in Wrightsville Beach, NC. Mr. Parker began surfing in 1963 and was instrumental in the development of the early surf scene in Wrightsville Beach.

Oak Island resident Jon Jones discusses his surfing career, as well as the changes in the sport he has observed since the '60s. Jones was a competetive surfer from 1978 to 1991, and placed first in the US Championships in 1989.

Lanc Lancaster and Harold Petty, founders of East Coast Surfboards, the first surf shop in southeastern North Carolina, and arguably the only one in North Carolina in the early-to-mid 1960s to make surfboards under its own label, recount their experiences. The interview focuses on the growth and development of the business along with its closing in 1967. The interview also includes discussion on techniques, materials, and tools used in surfboard making during the time; surfing in Carolina and Kure Beaches; lifeguarding; social activities on the beach; skateboarding; and other activities.

James Watters, Wilmington native, discusses area surfing in the 1930s, including descriptions of early surf equipment and terminology. He also relates anecdotes from his surfing experiences and his military life, and describes the development of Kure Beach.

In this interview Wrightsville Beach native and former surfer Eugene King shares his memories of growing up on Wrightsville Beach, including those of notable locations and residents, and addresses changes to the area over the years.