WBLiveSurf Community,
We have some VERY BIG news….
WBLiveSurf.com has been a part of our core DNA for the past 20 years…
The goal upon startup in 2003 was to create the best surfing website that combined multiple, daily “feet-in-the-sand” surf reports, a live surf cam, live weather station, advertising for the best local businesses, community news, and live events. The concept was to have surfers supporting surfers.
We did all that and WBLive became so much more. We helped our surf community connect and become stronger. And the connections we feel to this community are immeasurable. Looking back, we were able to accomplish so much in the past 20 years, and we are beyond humbled, grateful, and very proud.
It’s hard to fathom all the incredible memories including:
— 7,300 sunrise surf reports,
— 29,200 total surf reports
–Leading the effort with Ocean Rescue and the WB surf community to revise the archaic two-block rotating surf zones to the much safer beach-wide zones we have now in Wrightsville Beach,
–Starting and sponsoring the Reef / Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Contest and accompanying Arts & Music Festival,
–Representing Wrightsville Beach surfing in three NC Travel Guides,
–Starting the Tower 7/WBLiveSurf scholarship with Josh Vach supporting UNCW students,
–Helping to purchase WB Access 33 to keep it open to the public,
–Promoting and sponsoring the Hope from Helen Surf Silent Auctions,
–Hosting dozens of surf video premieres and local events with professional surfers and videographers such as Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Andy Irons, Bobby Martinez, Tim Curran, Kolohe Andino, Donovan Frankenreiter, Jack McCoy, Aaron Chang, Joe Cheshire, Pat Stublen, Taylor Steele, and the Quiksilver Crossing.
Over the past 20 years, so much has changed, and with that said, there is a change in ownership at WBlivesurf.com. Letting go of the WBLive was a very difficult decision for us because we are letting go of what we started and nourished, and our deep connection with all that is WBLive. So, we handpicked our successor, and we are confident that we’re passing the torch to the perfect person and local business owner to continue the legacy of WBLiveSurf.com.
We are proud to announce that Rick Civelli, owner of WB Surf Camp, SurfBerry, and Cape Fear Paddleboarding has assumed ownership of WBLiveSurf.com. Jenn and I have known Rick for 30+ years, and his passion and commitment to the local surfing community are unrivaled. His work ethic and attention to detail have helped him build one of the best surf camps in the country. We know he will give 100% and feel confident that the community can expect the same surf, community, and advertising impact to continue under Rick’s leadership.
Jenn and I want to thank everyone… the local and surrounding surf communities and the many surfing industry friends, who helped us succeed and have an impact these past 20 years. We are so grateful for all that wblivesurf.com has become and will continue to be. We will still be in town and quietly offering support and assistance behind the scenes. We hope to see more of you with our extra free time in the water. We wish everyone the very best. Thank you, stay stoked, and keep surfing!
Tony & Jenn Butler
