While many people focus on their New Years Resolutions, we think the new year offers a fantastic opportunity to try something new. Now is the time to set goals, try new activities, and learn more about something that interests you.
January is when our busiest booking season begins here at Ward Realty. We would encourage you to think about your New Years goals and aspirations as you plan your next vacation to Topsail Island.
For example, would you love to learn how to paddleboard? Topsail is the perfect place to try. Or perhaps you would like to learn a classic Topsail tradition, like Shag Dancing. If you want to learn more about a specific topic, vacation is a great time to do so since your brain will be more open and free to the opportunity. Stargazing, sea turtles and beach photography all come to mind!
Read on for examples of what you can learn in the new year... with us.
Disc Golf
Located on an old peanut farm, Surf City Disc Golf is a fairly new addition to our area!
Disc Golf is free and fun for anyone to try. Our course is 9 targets long and easy to learn. If you can throw a frisbee you can play Disc Golf!
Want to get serious? There is a Disc Golf tournament taking place on March 10, 2019 in Jacksonville. Follow this website for details.
102 H2O Place, Surf City, NC 28445 (map)
Photography Classes
A vacation offers the ideal opportunity to learn more about photography. With beautiful backdrops and the people you love all around you, it makes sense to learn more about capturing these moments.
The Shoot Space in Wilmington offers photography classes, workshops, and even individual mentoring sessions.
Located at 5552 Carolina Beach Road, Suite A ~ Wilmington, NC, they can be reached at (910) 399-8027.
Run a Race
Surf City, NC (April 27, 2019)
Golf Tournaments
Our area is home to some of the most beautiful and well-maintained golf courses in the country. That means it is also the perfect place to sign up for an amateur golf tournament and really challenge yourself!
Check AmateurGolf.com for a list of local tournaments or click the links below:
CAROLINAS PGA SENIOR CLASH ON THE COAST (50+)
June 17 - 18 2019 Wilmington, NC
JIMMY ANDERSON BOYS' INVITATIONAL (Ages 13-18)
April 13 - 14 2019 Jacksonville, NC
NORTH CAROLINA FOUR-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP
October 04 - 06 2019 Wilmington, NC
JIMMY ANDERSON GIRLS' INVITATIONAL (Ages 13-18)
October 05 - 06 2019 Jacksonville, NC
Water Sports
What better place to learn a new water sport than the warm, frisky surf of the Atlantic Ocean! On your next trip to Topsail Island, carve out some time for yourself. Learn to surf, stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or fish! We have so many amazing companies right here on the island ready and willing to teach you new skills to write home about.
Here are some resources to get you started:
- Learn to Surf: Feeling adventurous? Read Everything You Need To Know About Surfing On Topsail Island and get your feet wet! Get in touch with the folks at On Shore Surf Shop or Surf City Surf School for rentals and lessons.
- Learn to Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard: Nice starter activities for your water adventures, both kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) allow you to enjoy the water on the soundside without the chaos or danger of ocean waves. Stand up paddleboarding is a relatively new sport but it's growing fast, due to the quick learning curve and high reward value ... can't beat those views! Several companies on Topsail can get you started. Try On Shore Surf Shop, Surf City Surf School, paddlenc.com or North Topsail Surf & Paddle.
- Learn to Fish: Fish from the pier, off a boat, or in the surf. Poles and bait are available for rent ... all you need is a fishing license. Learn more in our blog post, Everything You Need to Know About Spring Fishing On Topsail Island.
- Learn to... do anything! We can't possibly list everything there is to see and learn here, but we have rounded up the 10 Popular Adventures You Must Have On Topsail according to locals and vacationers.
More ways to learn
Interested in a more low-key learning environment? We have so many things here that make our Island unique. Enhance your amazing, relaxing vacation by learning more about our wildlife, history and more:
Did you know that Topsail Island is a Sea Turtle Sanctuary? Learn more about these cuties on our blog, All You Ever Wanted to Know About Topsail's Sea Turtles.
While Topsail is small, our history is big. The island has hosted secret missile programs, served as base camp for war, and has seen pirates battle for booty! Read more in our Brief Guide to Topsail Island's Unique History.
Inspired?
Vacation is the perfect time to learn something new. We are so busy in our everyday lives. We have limited time to enhance and improve our minds and bodies. While on vacation, you can truly have it all because you are taking a break from the responsibilities of home and work. Yes, the kids might still be underfoot, but it's a wonderful opportunity to show them that adults can learn new things too, and that you should never stop learning. We hope you return home feeling refreshed and fulfilled.
