A Holiday Poem by: Karl Walters

Daylight, my friend seldom seen
Your absence tells which season’s close
Time to reflect on months gone by, but not yet
Christmas nears, no time to think.

Passing smiles caught through busy streets
Indoors we flee in front of fires
Glasses clink, we toast the year’s end
You catch my eye, next year we’ll meet.

One last farewell, down family roads we head
It’s late now, a window candle is lit
One more drink poured, the last stories shared
Another year, things change, the same warmth’s felt.

Poem Source: End Of Year, Holiday Poems http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/holiday/poetry.asp?poem=35223#ixzz19LcvjQjk

Bob's Top Ten i phone apps...

Bob's Top 10 i Phone Apps

NightStand
A great alarm clock with local weather and multiple alarms. 

Surf Report
Oakley and Surfline teamed up and created a great Surf Report.

NOAA Buoys
Find tide, wind, wave height and more.

Tune in Radio
Ever since we lost 98X here on the beach this app is where I find radio programming.  Check out Scratch N Sniff on 95 Rock out of Augusta, Ga every Saturday night 10-12...

Dragon Dictation
This is a great app when you need to text while driving.  Just tap, speak and send it.

Speak It
Don't feel like reading?  Copy & Paste the text and have it read to you.

Red Laser
 Barcode Scanner.  I was shopping for weed eaters at Sears and used the bar code scanner to compare different models and prices.  

Political GPS
Keep an on your elected Representatives.

Star Walk
I used this one last night to keep track of the Lunar Eclipse.

Skout
If you are single this app will help you find other singles near you.


I did not mention the usual but very useful apps like the Weather Channel, Google Mobile, Pandora, Dropbox, or Evernote.  I would hope you already have those.

One more app that I am hoping will help me out in the new year would be.....

Supervisors Helper
I hope this app helps me manage my employees and prepare me for evaluations.

Can you see it?

Can you see it?  Snow flurries again on the Outer Banks of NC.

Christmas at Owens Restaurant, an OAR Tradition

A great time was had by all this season at the Annual Ocean Atlantic Rentals Christmas Party held at Owens Restaurant in Nags Head, NC  27959.  The party began with drinks, friends and thoughts of those missing from our group.  We told stories, laughed and got merry.  An awesome spread was laid before us:  Prime Rib, Stuffed Flounder, Shrimp & Scallops Napoleon, the Best Fried Oysters Ever!, and all the trimmings.  When the plates were full and on the table the room grew silent as we blissfully stuffed our faces will all the goodness.  We feasted like pirates that blasted into town and took the best of everything for themselves.  When we were full more stories and laughter filled the room again until it was time for us to head out into the cold so we could get home to our beds.  We would like to thank everyone at Owens Restaurant for making our Christmas Tradition wonderful again this year.

Tis' the Season

Tis' the Season....Check it out!

Have a Merry OBXMAS

Have a Merry OBXMAS!

Christmas Lights: Outer Banks Style

At the west end of Ocean Acres Drive in Kill Devil Hills, an ordinary gravel road becomes a holiday wonderland that delights local Christmas lovers. Every year for the last 42 years, the Poulos family has transformed their home into a Christmas paradise for all on the Outer Banks to enjoy.

It has now become an Outer Banks tradition to make the trip to the end of Ocean Acres to get a dose of the holiday spirit. As the road widens, colorful arcs of light guide visitors to a home that would put Clark Griswold to shame. Multiple sets of inflatable Santas, vintage toy trains, brightly lit nativity scenes, reindeer, snowmen, and elves line walkways and fill the lawn. Children delight in the garage-turned Christmas museum filled with stuffed toys and holiday village scenes.

It takes 12 weeks to prepare for the holiday light spectacular but all the effort is definitely worth the reward. The Poulos family agrees they continue with the tradition year after year because they love to see the smiles on visitor’s faces. The lights are turned on every night at dusk from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Santa Claus is known to make appearances at the home throughout the month so make sure you stop by and see this award winning home. (In 2005, it was named the Best Decorated Home in America by the Today Show on NBC.)

You can walk or drive through the winter wonderland. However, driving by will only give you a glimpse of the thousands of twinkling lights. To get the full experience, park before the holiday lights begin, (you’ll see plenty of parking before the lighted arches) and walk through the winter wonderland and see Christmas Lights, the Outer Banks style.

From # Sara's blog

Why The OBX?

Beach houses are booked and teeming with family reunions, hotels turn on “No Vacancy” signs, rentals shops are out of umbrellas and chairs, restaurants are jam-packed with vacationers waiting for fresh-caught seafood, traffic crawls … ahh it’s summer in The Outer Banks. For the past fifty years The Outer Banks (OBX) has been a popular beach vacation spot and its popularity has only grown over the years. With it’s big beaches, clear blue water, surf break, and sound-side activities it’s no wonder thousands flock here each summer to enjoy a week of relaxation in the sun.
The Outer Banks is a barrier island off of the coast of North Carolina stretching from the Currituck lighthouse to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, both of which are also well-known attractions. The beaches along the coast promote a laid-back beach experience allowing dogs on most beaches, surfing, kiting, and kayaking. Families flock to the beaches each day with beach games, chairs, umbrellas, rafts, surfboards and boogie boards to get the most out of a day at the beach. Other attractions aside from the beach include The Wright Brother’s Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, which marks the location of Wilbur and Orville Wright’s first flight. The OBX has also become a popular spot for those who wish to learn kite boarding, surfing, and windsurfing as the wind tends to be strong and there tends to be a good break. There are also numerous businesses that offer the instruction and equipment rental for all of these sports.
Over the years the OBX has also become a hot spot for beach weddings. With the clean sand and blue water, a wedding at sunset is absolutely picturesque. What better place could you think of to say your vows with your toes in the sand?
With a great mix of history, beach time, putt-putt golf and thousands of restaurants it’s no wonder that the OBX is a great destination for people looking to get a breath of fresh sea air and escape the inland humidity. Come down to the beach for a great time!

Walking on Water

Sunrise, water so flat and glassy it’s like walking on water. Standing six feet above the water you can see farther and deeper into the water - a birds’ eye view of what’s swimming under right under you. This is what you will experience if you get out on the water via paddleboard. All you need is a paddle and a board and the adventure begins. This is one of the few water sports where the participant doesn’t necessarily need certain weather conditions to enjoy the sport. Whether it’s flat water, gnarly waves, or even raging river rapids stand up paddle boarding is versatile for many conditions.

Stand up paddling boarding is not a new invention, in fact it has been around for hundreds of years, but it is an up and coming sport as well as a more popular leisure activity. In the past few years it can be increasingly seen in rivers, lakes, sounds, waterways and oceans either for relaxation, exploration or adventurous endeavors.

Paddle boarding was first used for functional purposes. The ancient Polynesians used to stand on long boards or rafts and paddle around the narrow canals to transport goods or simply to navigate around the compact city. Hawaiians then adopted the method of standing on long boards in order to photograph the beach and tourist learning to surf. Surf instructors also used paddle boarding to paddle around their students and give them pointers; it was useful to see the incoming swell.

In more recent years paddle boarding has been considered more of a sport. There are now competitions in speed, wave riding, river rapid riding and distance. Of course anyone can stand on the board and paddle, but there is a technical side to the sport that can be developed to master any one of these types of boarding. On the flip side to developing your skills as a paddleboard competitor, the sport can also be as leisurely as you want to make it. On a flat day all you really need to do is paddle around and check out the scenery. With virtually no draft (six to eight inches) you can paddle where boats may not be able to go and check out undisturbed wildlife.

Whether you are into the competitive side of paddling or the more relaxing side, paddle boarding provides a great core work out and always many adventures. So get out there and paddle!

2010 Ocean Kayaks are here!

We received our shipment of 2010 Ocean Kayaks yesterday! The new models include the two person Malibu, the single seat Frenzy, Scrambler and Big Yak. I highly recommend adding the backrest if you are riding waves, going for a 2 hour plus paddle or if you are over 30 years old. Stand Up Paddle Boards will be in soon so get your sea legs on...

Things to Do...

Jockey's Ridge State Park
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Jockey's Ridge State Park. Learn more about the natural, cultural and historical history of Jockey's Ridge State Park and the Outer Banks at the park's exhibit hall. Find out what dunes are made of, how they are created and how they are shaped. Contact the park office or check online: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/jori/main.php

Surfside Scute 5k & Tiny Turtle Kids Fun Run

Surfside Scute 5k & Tiny Turtle Kids Fun Run

Date

Saturday, May 22, 2010 @ 8:00 AM local time

Address

Monterey Plaza at the Corolla Surf Shop
807 Ocean Trail; Monterey Plaza (Food Lion Shopping Center)

Fees

$20.00

Registration Closing Date

Saturday, May 15, 2010 @ 2:59 AM

Brief Description

Corolla Ocean Rescue is hosting the very first ever 5k race in Corolla! Enjoy the fresh ocean air and beautiful beach scenery as you race across the one-of-a-kind course winding through Corolla, including a short 1/4 mile segment on the sand. The event will be a “green” race and there will also be a 1/2 mile Tiny Turtle Kids Fun Run for ages 10 & under. All proceeds go to Corolla Fire and Rescue, helping us continue to better our service and keep the beaches safe!

Directions

From the southern beaches, take route 12 north through Duck. Once in Corolla, turn right at the 2nd light at Albacore Street. Monterey Plaza is located next to the Tomato Patch on the opposite side of the parking lot from the Food Lion.

Additional Information

Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers, and to the top finisher in each age group. There is also a special prize for the Most creative ZINK-face! A table will be set up where participants can paint their faces with colorful Zink suncreen–the classic lifeguard sun protection. Not only is there a prize for the craziest usage, but you’ll be practicing smart skin-cancer prevention!

Are you ready?

Are you ready for the Summer? Are you ready for a good time?

WE ARE READY!

Come see us when you get to town. We will get you ready for the Summer and a Good Time?

To reserve your Good Times this Summer call 800.635.9559 or go to OceanAtlanticRentals.com

If you wanna have a Good Time at your Wedding this Summer call 252.441.7272 or go to OAREvent.com.

First Flight - Hurley WTW Round 1 East Video

First Flight - Hurley WTW Round 1 East Video

Vote for First Flight High for the Hurley Walk the Walk/Show your DNA contest!

Valentines Day Special

Valentines Day Special. Get 5% off any event rental equipment if booked and paid for by February 14, 2010 Call 252.441.7272 or go to www.oarevent.com

BRETT “BACKDOOR” BARLEY?

Unknown Kid From North Carolina Steals the Volcom Show!

Pipeline, North Shore, Oahu, HI - (Jan. 29, 2010) - Nobody at the world’s most venerated surfing spot, the Banzai Pipeline, expected a young kid from North Carolina to show up in the middle of a record big-wave winter and steal the show. But 20-year-old Brett Barley did exactly that today, during day two of the Volcom Pipeline Pro. Barley posted the highest score of the event so far with two incredible rides at the right peak known as “Backdoor”: 19.67 points out of a possible 20. Even more crazy, he has only ridden a total of three waves at Backdoor in his life, and those were two of them, under the pressure of a 25-minute heat and with thousands of people watching. One and a half more days of this $120,000 ASP pro-sanctioned event remains.

Outer Banks Snow!

Some of us went to bed last night after seeing a few flurries. We all woke up to a blanket of snow laying across our little island. The roads were a little slick this morning but not bad at all after 2pm. The snow has changed to rain now but it will all freeze again tonight and a little more snow may fall too. Be real careful tomorrow morning the roads will probably be much, much worse.

Enjoy it if you can! See you at Jockey's Ridge!

Customer Appreciation Month

Customer Appreciation Month! We are excited for the 2010 season so we are offering additional discounts for your Outer Banks Vacation. Act fast and save 15% on all on-line orders before January 31st! (excluding value packages and events). Check out our new Event Showroom in Kill Devil Hills. If you have any questions about equipment, don't hesitate to call our toll free reservation line at: 1-800-635-9559.

2010 Season Employees

Ocean Atlantic Rentals is now hiring for the 2010 season. We are most interested in individuals able to work from mid May to mid September. Go to www.oceanatlanticrentals.com/employment for our online application.

We are hiring: Team Leaders, Rental Associates, Delivery Drivers, Navigators,
Event Associates, Event Crew, Surf Shop Associates, Skate Park Attendants, Surfing & SUP Instructors.

Outer Banks Wedding Expo

Make plans to attend the Outer Banks 2010 Wedding Weekend and Expo January 9th and 10th! Keep an eye on our Expo Weekend Event page as we finalize details on all of the fun activities we'll have going on so you get a chance to really feel how magical an Outer Banks wedding can truly be.