In Memoriam: Ed Brooks The N.C. Division of Coastal Management staff was tremendously saddened by the recent passing of our friend Ed Brooks, minor permits coordinator in the Wilmington Office. Ed joined the Division of Coastal Management as a field representative in 1987. He came to DCM from the New Hanover County Health Department, where he was the Environmental Health supervisor, because DCM offered him the opportunity to directly impact the management of coastal resources.

 Ed grew up in the North Carolina Piedmont, and moved to Wilmington to attend school at UNC-Wilmington, where he received a degree in environmental science. In a 2008 profile for a DENR publication, he said, “Once I got [to Wilmington], I didn’t want to leave. I loved the coastal lifestyle, and knew I wanted to live on the coast and help protect its resources. I felt, and still feel, a conviction that the work DCM does in conserving coastal resources is very important. That’s why I’ve stayed here so long. “Our mission at DCM is to preserve the public trust and protect the coastal ecosystem,” he continued. “The issues are different now [than when I started], but I have faith that DCM can continue to carry out its mission. Hopefully, the next 20 years will be as successful as the last 20 have been.”

Ed was in many ways the heart of DCM, and he will be greatly missed by all of us. DCM Director Jim Gregson, Brenda McDonald and CRC Chairman Bob Emory. Recognizing his service to North Carolina At the Coastal Resources Commission’s May 2010 meeting, Ed was awarded the CRC’s Eure Gardner Award, along with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Both awards were accepted by Ed’s wife, Brenda, on his behalf.

 The CRC’s Eure-Gardner award is an honor bestowed on those individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to protecting the natural, cultural and economic resources of the coastal area. The award is named for Thomas Eure, the first chairman of the CRC, and William Gardner, a long-time member and former chairman of the Coastal Resources Advisory Council. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is the highest honor awarded by the state of North Carolina, and recognizes individual service to the state.

This was published in the Spring 2010 CAMAgram.

Ed was an amazing friend and one of my mentors in life.  Words cannot express how much I will miss him.  Anyone who ever paddles out on a surfboard, swims in the sound, or casts a fishing pole in the waters of NC, should be grateful to Ed for all he accomplished to protect and help conserve our amazing coastal resources.

 Rick Civelli – Founder

WB Surf Camp has gained some national press exposure recently.  We’re so excited to have a big time resource recognizing what an amazing experience we can offer surfers of every level and at locations around the world, including Hawaii and right here in our backyard of North Carolina.

The Oahu, Hawaii Family Surf Camp was recently featured in a USA Today Travel Tips article about Hawaiian Surf Vacations.  The article highlights the benefits of surfing the waters of Hawaii – from the legendary big waves of the North Shore of Oahu to the gentler waves of Waikiki Beach.  Of the four surf camps and surf lessons mentioned, WB Surf Camp is the only non-native Hawaiian camp to make the cut.  The author, Patricia Poulin, is a surfer herself who loves to travel and we’re so proud that she chose our surf camp to promote.

Our family surf camp in Oahu is a customized camp that can be booked anytime from September to April, the peak of Oahu’s surfing season.  This camp is designed for beginners who want to learn to surf.  Our surf camp location in Oahu is protected from large swells by an offshore reef and is perfect for learning to surf.  The camp is also ideal for exploring the landscape and culture of this great island.  We’ve been hosting Surf Camp in Oahu for years and have made friends who will help introduce you to the real local flavor of Oahu.

USA Today travel authors must have really done their research because WB Surf Camp was mentioned in yet another recent article, this one about North Carolina Weekend Ideas.  Our surf camp is the very first attraction mentioned.  The author, Meg Jernigan, chooses surfing at Wrightsville Beach as the key attraction for the Atlantic region of North Carolina and suggests WB Surf Camp as the go-to place for surfing lessons.

So with USA Today talking up our surf camps, you better hurry to book your surf camp or surfing lessons soon!  We want to be sure to have a place for our old friends plus any new, fresh faces.  Give us a call at 866-844-7873.

This Sunday May 16, 2010 on UNC TV at 6:30 PM the TV program “My Heart Will Always Be In Carolina” with Ken Mann will feature Surfing on the coast of the Tar Heel State.

Surfing legend Bob Holland talks about when and how people started surfing in North Carolina
Steve Wise shows how the surfboards have evolved while giving viewers a look at his massive surfboard collection dating back to the 1930s.
Lynn Shell takes you inside his shop and shows how boards are made today
Jesse Hines talks about surfing today not only in North Carolina but around the world.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you

Coastal Production Company
252-473-3024 studio
252-473-1441 fax
www.obxtv.com
www.thecarolinagospelroad.com
www.thecaptainsmusic.com