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Boat Registration North Carolina requires that motorized craft of any size (including water-jet craft) and sailboats 14 feet and longer at the waterline be registered. The cost is $25 for three years. Renewal forms are mailed about two months prior to expiration. Effective January 1, 2007, anyone who purchases or
transfers a motorized vessel 14 feet or longer, who owns a personal
watercraft (Jet Ski) or who has a lien on a vessel, regardless of size, will
be required to title the vessel. The cost of a title is $20 and is effective
until the owner sells or transfers the vessel. This mandatory titling
requirement affects only new vessel purchases and transfers; existing vessel
owners are not required to obtain a title certificate. More information on
boating regulations may be obtained from the N.C. Wildlife Resources
Commission Boat Registration Section, 1751 Varsity Drive, NCSU
Centennial Campus, Raleigh, NC 27606-2576; (800) 628-3773. An extensive list
of vessel agents authorized to process North Carolina registration is online
at www.ncwildlife.org. The following area businesses and offices can provide
necessary forms and information.
Canady's Sport Center, 3220 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, (910) 791-6280
Division of Marine Fisheries Regional Office,
127 Cardinal Drive, Wilmington, (910) 796-7215
N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles License Plates
Office, 14687 U.S. Highway 17 S., Hampstead,
(910) 270-9010 Oak Island Marine, 4305 Long Beach Road,
Southport, (910) 454-8202
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If you would like to rent a power boat, note that in
summer it is essential to make reservations in advance. Most proprietors
require a deposit, a valid driver's license or major credit card, plus a
signed waiver of liability. Dockside Watersports Rent or charter a boat at Dockside Watersports and get
out on the water. Dockside offers a a 21-foot party barge and a 19-foot
center-console outboard available for rent any day of the week all year
long by reservation. Four-hour rentals range from $180 to $225. You can
also charter a 26-foot cruiser and let the captain chart a course to
relaxation. Wakeboard and ski lessons and sessions are also
available. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended. Entropy Rentals On the Intracoastal Waterway near Wrightsville Beach,
Entropy rents its own line of Sea Mark 17- through 20-foot power boats.
Fully equipped center-console vessels are available by the half day, full
day or week. For a nominal fee, Entropy also rents water skis and
equipment, as well as kayaks. The 12-hour day rate is less than $300, and
major credit cards are accepted. Entropy is open year-round and serves the
lower Cape Fear coast. Call ahead for reservations, location information
and off-season rates. Nauti Times Nauti Times rents several power boats you can use for
fishing or touring. They also operate a 32-foot Express Cruiser for
private charters, sightseeing or dive cruises. They are open March through
November. Call for reservations and directions to their location. |
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Paradise Landing With Paradise Landing you can either party on a pontoon
boat, make waves in a 19-foot center-console cruiser or charter a
six-passenger fishing boat and captain for your party. Reservations are
recommended. Pleasure
Island Rentals Pleasure Island Rentals has a
17-foot Grady White saltwater fishing boat for rent. This boat, which seats
three to four people, is kept at Oceana but rented out of the Lake Park
Boulevard location. Pleasure Island Rentals is open daily Memorial Day to
Labor Day. After hours and during the off-season, call the number above and
leave a message.
Reliant Marine Reliant Marine
offers a variety of services from rentals and charters to fractional
ownership and training. They even have a members-only boat club with a
discounted boat-rental program. Full-day and half-day rentals include names
like Grady White, Mako and Sea Pro in sizes from 15 to 37 feet. Reliant
Marine is located in Wilmington at Oak Winds Marina, in Wrightsville Beach
at Motts Channel, in Carolina Beach at Mona Black Marina, and in Southport
at St. James Plantation Marina. They are open year-round.
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Greenfield Lake and
Gardens |
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Pedal-powered paddleboats are available for rent seasonally on the 150-acre
Greenfield Lake on U. S. Hwy. 421 S. in Wilmington. Operated by Cape Fear
River Watch Inc., the concession is located near the park's Third Street and
Willard Avenue entrance. Hours are 11 AM to 6 PM daily from May through
September. Off-season (October through April) opening times vary. Call for
information and rates. |
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Wheel Fun Rentals |
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Fun Rentals operates a paddleboat concession at the Carolina Beach Lake
Park. A small kiosk and floating dock are located on the western side near
the parking lot. During the summer season, boat rentals are available seven
days from 9 AM to dusk. Off-season schedules vary, but you might even find
them operating on a lovely warm winter weekend. |
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Paddle SportsThis region's paddling season is generally nine months long — March through November — but some experienced paddlers will argue that, due to the mild climate and warm waters, paddle sports can be enjoyed year-round. Along the coast and on inland rivers, the best time to paddle is from August to May, when boat traffic is down, temperatures are lower and humidity is decreased, insects and snakes aren't a nuisance, and the chances of seeing a wider variety of wildlife are increased. Unlike boating, kayaking and canoeing have few rules and regulations. The one rule that applies is a requirement for one life jacket per passenger aboard a kayak or canoe. Currently, no legislation exists to enforce the issue, but professional kayaking guides strongly recommend wearing a life jacket as a safety precaution. The great thing about paddling is that you can go almost
anywhere. A particularly scenic place to paddle locally is Wrightsville
Beach's 14.1-mile kayak and canoe trail. The trail is marked with buoys as
it meanders through picturesque marshes and channels. It begins and ends at
Wynn Plaza, located at the intersection of Waynick Boulevard and Causeway
Drive. For information, contact Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation,
(910) 256-7925.
KayakingLocal guides report that the popularity of kayaking along North Carolina's southern coast has doubled in the last several years. That's not surprising when you consider the bounty of regional waterways and seemingly endless things to see and areas to explore. Tropical sea life, exotic vegetation, a variety of waterfowl, historic landmarks accessible by water, barrier islands and pristine wildlife sanctuaries are just a few of the treasures you'll find. Unique opportunities for guided tours or solo exploration are plentiful due to the abundance of waterways. Explore the coastline, the Intracoastal Waterway, sounds, channels and salt marshes as well as the inland rivers and their tributaries. Several enterprises, including Salt Marsh Kayak Company,
Island Style Adventure Company and Southport's The Adventure Company (see
subsequent listings), emphasize ecological responsibility and education and
bring paddlers into intimate contact with wildlife and primal silence. All
kayaking trips listed in this section are guided by experienced paddlers who
bring a love of the sport and dedication to safety on each excursion. Because the river is a commercial shipping channel, touring the lower Cape Fear River in a canoe isn't recommended for beginners. However, for the experienced canoeist, the lower Cape Fear holds some wonderful surprises. Paddlers who frequent these waters have been known to gather wild rice bequeathed by the vanished rice plantations of the past. The Black River, a protected tributary of the Cape Fear River noted for its old-growth stands of bald cypress, is an excellent scenic canoeing choice, as are several of both rivers' tributaries. A canoe also provides excellent transportation for exploring the tidal marshes and barrier islands all along the southern coast. In 1997 the Town of Oak Island dedicated some 24 miles of
canoe trails known as the Long Beach Canoe Trail System. Four trails make up
the system: Lockwood Folly (4.2 miles), Montgomery Slough (7 miles), Howells
Point (6.5 miles) and Davis Creek (6 miles). Conditions range from calm,
protected waters to rough, exposed waters near inlets, and all are
remarkably scenic, quiet and full of wildlife. An additional three floating
dock access points on Oak Island include one at NE 52nd Street accessing the
Intracoastal Waterway, one at SE 31st Street accessing Davis Canal and the
third at 30th Place West. For information visit or call the Oak Island
Recreation Department, 3003 E. Oak Island Drive, (910) 278-5518. Greenfield Park Canoes, paddleboats and kayaks may be rented seasonally
on Wilmington's 150-acre Greenfield Lake. Operated by Cape Fear River
Watch Inc., the concession is located near the park's Third Street and
Willard Avenue entrance. May through September, hours are 11 AM to 6 PM.
During the off-season from October through April, canoes and kayaks may be
rented as weather permits. Group outings, environmental classes and
eco-tours are available by appointment. Call for information and rates.
Great Outdoor Provision Co. Open seven days a week, this
store sells a variety of canoes and kayaks as well as paddling accessories,
maps, guidebooks, backpacking gear, fly-fishing gear and outdoor clothes.
Instructional clinics are available, and the staff at Great Outdoor
Provision Co. will be happy to arrange demonstrations of the watercraft or
equipment.
Hook, Line & Paddle - Canoe & Kayak Outfitters Hook, Line & Paddle carries everything you need for your
next kayaking adventure. They specialize in recreational sea kayaks and
kayak fishing equipment, including a full line of paddles, life jackets,
safety gear and accessories. Some of the well-known national brands they
carry include Heritage Kayaks, Native Watercraft, Wilderness Systems and
Mad River canoes. Not only can you get the right gear, but you can also
book a tour at the shop or receive instruction from one of the store's
master teachers. Hook, Line & Paddle plans and orchestrates trips around
the greater Cape Fear area as well as on the Black River in Pender
County. The store is open Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and
Sunday from noon to 5 PM.
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Pleasure
Island Rentals
Located in the heart of Carolina Beach, this watersports
equipment rental company goes by the slogan, "We rent FUN stuff." Single
kayak rentals range from $25 for four hours to $35 for 24 hours and $105 for
a week. Tandems run $35 (four hours), $45 (24 hours) and $120 (one week).
All rentals include paddles and life jackets. Pleasure Island Rentals is
open daily Memorial Day to Labor Day. After hours and during the off-season,
call for equipment rental. |
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Salt Marsh Kayak Company |
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Salt Marsh Kayak Company on Wrightsville Beach offers
kayak sales, rentals, tours and instruction. The company's extensive
rental fleet includes recreational sit-on-top and decked boats, as well
as high-performance touring kayaks. Experience is not necessary, but if
you need some pointers, each rental includes a brief lesson. Rent a
kayak and paddle on your own from their waterfront location opposite the
Blockade Runner Hotel or take a guided tour with one of their many
experienced guides. Birding and eco-tours are available by appointment,
as are basic to advanced-level kayaking instruction. All guides are CPR
and First Aid certified, and ACA-certified instructors are available.
Wheel Fun Rentals New to kayaking? A great place to start is at Carolina
Beach Lake. Wheel Fun Rentals offers kayaks for rent at a kiosk and
floating dock located on the western side of the lake near the parking
lot. During the summer season, boat rentals are available seven days from
9 AM to dusk. Off-season schedules vary, but you might even find them
operating on a lovely warm winter weekend. Brunswick County The Adventure Company The Adventure Company
specializes in kayak tours, lessons, rentals and coastal environmental
education programs as well as kayak and gear sales. Tours are scheduled
weekly and can be customized. Kayak rentals include paddles and life
jackets. Single kayaks rent for $30 (four hours), $45 (full day) and $140
(five days). Tandems are available for $40 (four hours), $55 (full day) and
$175 (five days). Local kayak tours are $45, and group and family discounts
are available. In business for seven years, owner Emma Thomas, a certified
kayak and canoe instructor, has been kayaking for 20 years. Also available
through The Adventure Company are bicycle tours of historic Southport and
adventure travel to the Bahamas, Florida, Baja, Honduras and Costa Rica.
Additional information can be found at the website or call for details, a
schedule or reservations. Beach Fun
Rentals
Beach Fun Rentals is a full-service vacation equipment rental company on
Holden Beach. You will find single kayaks including the Frenzy, Rapido, Yak
Board, Yahoo, Scrambler and Scrambler XT as well as tandem kayaks such as
Malibu II. Daily and weekly rentals are available. Surfboards, boogie
boards, skim boards, bicycles, grills and more are also available. Beach Fun
Rental is open early spring through fall from 9 AM to 5 PM. Boomer's Rentals On the causeway in Holden Beach, this general beach
rental store offers rentals on single or tandem kayaks as well as boogie
boards ($20 a week) and surfboards ($40 a week). Single kayaks rent for
$35 per day (24 hours) and $125 for a week. Tandems are available for
$50 for 24 hours and $160 for a week. |
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Julie's Rentals Julie's is a complete
beach-rental shop that rents kayaks (singles and tandems) as well as many
other recreational items. Rates for singles are $35 per day and $125 for a
week. Tandem kayaks are $50 per day and $160 for a week. Julie's Rentals
offers a delivery and pick-up service on specified items for free on
Saturdays and Sundays for delivery to Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach — or
you can pick up your rental from the store. Other rental items include
bicycles, umbrellas and beach chairs as well as wagons to take your items to
the beach. You can treat yourself to some ice cream while you're there. Riverside Adventure
Company The state's largest expanse of saltwater marshland is
found on Bald Head Island. Riverside Adventure Co. provides canoe and
kayak trips and rentals on these tidal waterways. New for 2008 is Surf
Kayak Rentals. Take a sit-on-top kayak out to the beach to ride the
waves or paddle down the shore. Call for rental rates and daily
schedules. Reservations are suggested. Topsail Island & Vicinity Herring's Outdoor Sports Paddle the peaceful
Intracoastal Waterway or challenge the waves out in the Atlantic Ocean.
Whatever your choice, Herring's has the right kayak available for rent or
purchase. There are single and double passenger models and the popular
sit-on-top styles. You can rent by the hour, half day, full day or week. The
kayaking experts at Herring's will outfit you with all you need for your
great adventure. Classes and guided tours are also available. Call for
prices and information. Holland's
Shelter Creek Here's your chance to really
get away from it all and enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the North Cape Fear
River. Canoes, kayaks and flat-bottom paddleboats are available for the
solitary explorer and for families and groups. Boats can be rented by the
day. |
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RowingRowing along the Cape Fear River is a time-honored tradition, dating back to the early nineteenth century when river pilots guided large, ocean-going vessels safely through the river's waters to safe harbor in Wilmington. These sturdy, yet speedy, boats were manned with four to six rowers and a coxswain. Rowing competitions between river pilots in the port cities along the southern coast — Wilmington, Charleston and Savannah among them — and crews from visiting ships were common. After the Civil War, rowing regattas along Wilmington's riverfront became a weekly event during the warm summer months. Rowing for sport eventually diminished with the advent of motorboat racing until a group of enthusiasts revived the sport in 1989, forming the Cape Fear River Rowing Club (see listing below). Today the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear rivers provide
both recreational and competitive rowers an opportunity to enjoy the sport.
The enthusiast interested in a casual, scenic route can travel from
Wilmington's riverfront and the Battleship North Carolina to the
State Port of Wilmington and then beyond to areas surrounded by
long-abandoned rice fields and inhabited by abundant wildlife, such as deer,
osprey and alligators. A rower with competition in mind will appreciate the
long portions of flat water in the rivers. Cape Fear River Rowing
Club
Founded in 1989 by a group of enthusiasts, this
rowing club's goal is to promote and increase interest in the sport in the
Wilmington area. Anyone interested in rowing is welcome to join, and the
club offers lessons for beginners and support and advice as a novice rower
advances in skill. Members have access to a range of rowing crafts, from
stable recreational boats to racing shells that challenge the seasoned
scullers. Their current boathouse is located at Point Harbor Marina, 1500
Point Harbor Road, on the west bank of the Northeast Cape Fear River, just
across the Isabel Homes bridge from downtown Wilmington. Two area rowing
clubs use the facility, the CFRRC and the UNC-Wilmington crew, utilizing a
mix of boats from single and double, to fours and eights. CFRRC sponsors
group activities including an annual trip, drill exercises and group rows.
Members also compete in a variety of regattas along the East Coast,
including the local Wilmington regatta, Head of the Cape Fear, in early
October. For more information about the club, write to Cape Fear River
Rowing Club, P.O. Box 1586, Wilmington, NC 28402. |
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