Rachel Carson Reserve vs Swansboro Estuary

[AmberK]

Back in Atlantic Beach for vacation! I left my board at home this year. No rack, so I'll need to rent where I plan to paddle. Last year I SUPed around Taylor's Creek / Rachel Carson Reserve. Not sure if I should go back or if I should trek to the other end of the island and explore the estuary at Swansboro. Any locals care to chime in with their preference? Reasonably priced rental recommendations also welcome! Thanks!

[dabigkahuna]

Hey Rachel,

We lived in Morehead City for 4 years.  AB is a great, little known, haven on the SOBX.  You will love it there.  Just remember to pay attention to the tides and wind forecast.  My wife forgot to check once and ended up hitchhiking back to the launch.  Give Michael at Blown Kiteboarding a call.  I'm pretty sure he rents SUPs.

[bbqSUPer]

Flatwater Paddling in Emerald Isle rents boards. They are nice girls who do a lot of paddling and could give you some ideas.  I'm usually in the surf or on the sound.

[AmberK]

Thanks for the recommendations! Michael at Blown Kiteboarding was great! Fun location to explore the marshes & sound. I would have loved to stay our longer but thunder warned me against it - got out of the water just ahead of the storm!