The Legacy of Surfing at Wrightsville Beach

Introduction

Every year, WB Surf Camp travels near and far in pursuit of our mission: inspiring stoke through epic surf adventures. From Costa Rica and Peru to Hawaii, we’ve chased waves in some of the world’s most legendary locations. We’ve shared sunrise sessions in warm, clear water, immersed ourselves in new cultures, and built lasting memories with our travel groups. Yet no destination compares to the place we call home—Wrightsville Beach.

Our Mission

WB Surf Camp was founded in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, in 2001 with a clear purpose: to inspire stoke through safety, learning, and fun. Our roots run deep in a coastal community shaped by generations of surfers who built the foundation long before we ever gave our first lesson.

Why Wrightsville Waves Matter

Surfing at Wrightsville Beach dates back to 1909—nearly a century before WB Surf Camp began. While the sport’s origins trace back to ancient Hawaii and its introduction to the mainland United States in the late 1800s, Wrightsville Beach became one of the earliest documented surf communities on the East Coast.

Early local watermen helped introduce surfing to Wrightsville Beach in the early 1900s, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most recognizable surf communities on the East Coast. Recognizing the unique shape and power of Wrightsville’s waves, surfers began shaping boards specifically designed for Wrightsville’s conditions. From those early boards and shared sessions, a surf community took shape—one that would influence the entire East Coast.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Today, we are proud to operate in a place so deeply rooted in American surf history. At WB Surf Camp, we honor that legacy by teaching new generations not just how to ride waves, but how to respect the ocean, build confidence, and appreciate the surf culture that began here more than a century ago.

Every day, our instructors work with young surfers who will help shape the future of Wrightsville Beach. By sharing the values of ocean stewardship, surf etiquette, and community, we hope to help the next generation carry forward the traditions that have made Wrightsville one of the country’s most beloved surf destinations.

Interested in learning more about the origins of surfing at Wrightsville Beach? Read our full blog on the rich history of surfing at Wrightsville Beach here.