There are a few things you should recognize before hitting the beach up, that is if you are driving. You must follow certain rules that are set for the Outer Banks. First would be finding a public beach access which most of our towns provide although a few do not like Duck, NC. I would suggest looking throughout Nags Head, or Kill Devil Hills, because they have multiple spots opened up to the public.

Search for blue and white signs with an orange sun in the middle, these indicate a public access. Then make sure to read the parking rules, because if not you may end up with some unwanted troubles. The parking rules provide you with important parking information that could indeed effect you, and your vehicle so make sure you do not pass these by.

Beach accesses accommodate differently like whether a bath house or a port a potty is provided. Some even offer foot, and/ or full showers for you to rinse the sand off with after leaving the beach. Also, the parking lots can be quite large while others can be a tight fit. Consider these details when planning your day at the beach.

After finding the perfect public beach access for your family make sure to ALWAYS use a boardwalk, dedicated pathway, or a specified access when hauling your accessories over (most parking lots are located across the beach road.) Of course choosing an access that forbids you from having to cross the road would be the smartest move, but lets face it.. that can not always be done. Take advantage of pedestrian crossing for they catch the attention of drivers. Also beware that traipsing over the bare, and oceanfront dunes is forbidden for this may contribute to erosion.

Enjoy the rest of your summer beach days, and stay safe!

Southern Shores Realty

The BEST beach days simply include a comfortable chair, umbrella, hat or sun-glasses, an one of those can not stop reading stories!

Reading is key to experiencing one of those FAMOUS relaxing Outer Banks moments. An actual book used to be an essential in the beach bag, but not ever since Amazon came out with the creative Kindle. “They work best when you are literally reading on the beach” says this Outer Banks guest (to the right) while explaining the “no-glare” benefit of the Kindle. Of course there isn’t glares coming off of a paper back book, but do you have the full accessibility like you do with the wireless reading device?

With the Kindle you are able to read ALL of your books and magazines, browse new books, read samples, and download at the touch of your finger. What does that mean for OBX vacationers who love reading in the warm sun with an ocean view about 10 feet in front of them? MORE SPACE! yup, your thought is right. NO MORE dragging that heavy beach tote from the car all the way to the perfect relaxing spot. The Kindle makes your life easier, simple as that. It is light, and sized just right for your beach bag.

Out of all the reasons why people escape to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the main one is to feel the relaxing benefit of the beach. Everyone needs that one week out of the year to refresh, slow down, get away, and have some fun. Does anyone feel like the summer is close to ending? Stressed from work, the children, and  the significant other? Feeling rushed almost everyday? Thankfully, if you JUST NEED to vacation the Outer Banks can unwind the body’s mind! The simplest way to feel everything wash away is to grab that comfortable chair, and read a book on the warm pretty beaches of North Carolina.

The Kindle- just a perfect beach thing

If you can not wait any longer to get away from the stressful life style of an average American then you may Book Your Outer Banks Vacation Rental Here.

Southern Shores Realty with your Outer Banks Current.

We want everyone who visits the Outer Banks to be as safe as possible in the water. You don’t have to be a professional swimmer, but having the basics of swimming mastered is an absolute must before taking a dip into the ocean. You can turn swimming into a fun daily workout to become a BETTER swimmer before visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I would also advise having the children join in on the workouts. Becoming a better swimmer will improve your well being, give you the body you have always dreamed of, and seriously keep you safe at the beach, it matters! Below are exercising tips to become a better swimmer before arriving on the OBX.

• Workout everyday of the week. Dedicate certain days to working out twice, and longer workouts. (Most people prefer the weekends for the longer workouts).
• ALWAYS stretch your muscles out before and after workouts. This will prevent future injuries, torn muscles, and obviously soreness.
• After stretching, swim about 500 yards as a warm up.
• Swim a few thousand yards a day (one lap is usually 25 yards).
• Have a different stroke to work on each day. Day 1- breast stroke, day 2- butterfly, day 3- back stroke, and so on.
• Learn the turn flip (if swimming in pool) before attempting to avoid back and head injuries. Most strokes have a different turn; be sure to learn all that apply to you.
• Control, and become in charge of your breathing.
• Push yourself harder during the last 15 minutes of the workout.
• Never give up, or stop yourself. You only gain strength by pushing harder! Plus you may loose your goggles.
• Incorporate other sports that relate to swimming such as running, walking, and soccer. Running especially will improve your speed.

Trust Southern Shores Realty, you will become a fish in absolutely no time at all!

Rip currents are one of the most dangerous beach conditions you can face. So it is of the utmost importance to know what a rip current is so that you are prepared to avoid or keep yourself safe if caught in one. They are long narrow bands of water that can pull any object away from the shore. They are formed when water starts to pile up on the beach instead of flowing sideways away from the breaking waves. After enough water builds up, the pressure forms the narrow path back outwards in the ocean. Surfers will sometimes use them to get further out to catch waves while lifeguards use rip currents to help reach swimmers faster if need be. Not all of us are  proficient swimmers so take a few notes on how to avoid, and survive a rip current.

Rip current survival tips on the Outer Banks of North Carolina:

1. If a rip current forces you away from the shore simply REMAIN CALM. Your natural instinct would be to panic, and worry if caught in a rip current. But do not worry, if you stay calm you will be able to think and overcome the situation that you are caught up in. Think logically, and know that a rip current will not pull you underwater (only further away from shore).
2. Redeem your footing on the ocean floor. Redeem your footing on the ocean floor if you are still in shallow water, or if the current happens to not be so powerful. Grasping the bottom with your feet will help you hold yourself in place, and not be dragged out any further. If you cannot find your footing then do not struggle against the current. You will wear yourself out which is why most victims end up drowning. Conserve your energy for more methodical swimming and staying afloat!
3. IMMEDIATELY call for help. Let others know that you are in need of their help, especially if you are not a good swimmer. By waving BOTH arms and yelling you will gain the attention of lifeguards, and anyone else close by. I would advise not to hesitate on this action.
4. Swim parallel to the shore to free yourself from the rip current. Rather than swimming against the rip current swim parallel, in either direction, to the shore. Rip currents are usually from 20 to 100 feet wide. Again, do not panic when you realize you are still being pulled further from the shore. This will get you OUT of the current so that you can swim back.
5. Swim at an angle to the shore. Once you are completely out of the current, start swimming back in at an angle.
6. If you are still caught in the rip current. Float on your back and go with the current so that you do not tire yourself to the point of drowning. You can regain your energy while awaiting help. If you happen to be alone, wait for the current to dissipate. Rip currents tend to subside 50-100 yards out from shore so eventually you will not be getting pulled any further.

Stay safe while swimming on the Outer Banks Beaches!