Local paddleboarder looks to take another top Surf to Sound Challenge title

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Wrightsville Beach will be packed this weekend as the Surf to Sound Challenge kicks off.

The 6.5 mile competition gives amateur stand-up paddlers the chance to compete with internationally ranked professionals.

The race starts with paddlers beginning in the ocean, moving over to Masonboro Inlet, and then racing in the channel. The finish line will be the Blockade Runner Beach Resort.

Two professional paddlers were at the resort Friday holding clinics including Wilmington native April Zilg. She taught competitors how to enter and exit the ocean quickly and safely on their paddle boards, then gave people advice on their techniques.

“It’s unique in that it utilizes the ocean as well as the sound side,” professional paddleboarder April Zilg said. “A lot of races they’re very flat, they’re very boring, this race can be very very exciting depending on the ocean swells. So that and the community.”

It’s a great event for families to enjoy outside and there’s even contests for kids!

This weekend will mark the seventh year for the state’s Surf to Sound Challenge.