Surf City Ocean Pier
History
In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was right for Edwin P. Lore, Jr. of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was looking for something to do since his career as a surveyor was cut short due to the development of a severe allergy to yellow jacket stings. He spent that first year learning the ins and outs of operating a fishing pier along with his wife, Miriam and two sons, Steve, 16 and Edwin, 11.
The very next year a fierce nor'easter destroyed much of the pier just after Thanksgiving. Undaunted, Mr. Lore rebuilt the pier the following year, and despite the many storms in the years that followed, some that caused minor damage and one, Hurricane
Fran that completely destroyed the pier in 1996, Surf City Pier celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
During the year I will be reminiscing about some of my experiences during my time at the pier. Oh, and by the way, I'm the youngest son Edwin, who now owns the pier and hopes to continue the Lore family tradition.
As I touched on last time, the Lore family bought Surf City Pier in 1973. My dad was an avid speckled trout fisherman, having loved it since he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in the early '50's. I inherited his general love of fishing, but saltwater fishing was new to me, having previously experienced only freshwater fishing with a cane pole in my grandfather's farm pond. My first summer at the pier was spend doing a few odd jobs, but mostly learning how to catch fish in the ocean; flounder,drum, sheepshead, mackerel, and blues to name a few. It was wonderful, and I caught on pretty quickly.
We lived in Smithfield in the off season and made trips to Surf City in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Down here, we stayed in a 48 foot long by 12 feet wide trailer which was normally quite cozy. It was very unnerving, though, to be in it when there was a bad storm, expecially like the one that hit the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, 1974. That "nor'easter," with winds over 60 mph, rattled and shook the little trailer, but it survived. Much of the pier, however, did not.
That next Sunday morning the old steel pier was collapsing. The pierhouse was located over the water at that time, complete with a small grill and tackle shop, gameroom with pool table; foosball table, and even a jukebox, and a 2-table dining area. And as a result, my dad ordered all of us out in case it fell too. My brother and I were the first out followed by mom who was carrying an armful of important documents and insurance paperwork. My dad came out last, carrying the most important things to him other than his family....his trout fishing rods.
The pierhouse did survive somehow, and the winter and early spring were spent rebuilding what was lost. Alot of fish were caught in the ensuing years, and the weather remained quiet until the early '80's. In part II, I'll briefly discuss a couple of close-call hurricanes and also a rather large fire that occurred in Pender County in 1986.
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"Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Surf City Ocean Pier</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>112 South Shore Drive</div> <div> <span>Surf City</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>28445</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.surfcityoceanpier.com/" target="_blank">Surf City Ocean Pier</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 910-328-3521</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Surf+City+Ocean+Pier%2C+112+South+Shore+Drive%2C+Surf+City%2C+NC+28445" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History</p> <p>In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was right for Edwin P. Lore, Jr. of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was looking for something to do since his career as a surveyor was cut short due to the development of a severe allergy to yellow jacket stings. He spent that first year learning the ins and outs of operating a fishing pier along with his wife, Miriam and two sons, Steve, 16 and Edwin, 11.</p> <p> The very next year a fierce nor'easter destroyed much of the pier just after Thanksgiving. Undaunted, Mr. Lore rebuilt the pier the following year, and despite the many storms in the years that followed, some that caused minor damage and one, Hurricane </p> <p>Fran that completely destroyed the pier in 1996, Surf City Pier celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.</p> <p> During the year I will be reminiscing about some of my experiences during my time at the pier. Oh, and by the way, I'm the youngest son Edwin, who now owns the pier and hopes to continue the Lore family tradition.</p> <p>As I touched on last time, the Lore family bought Surf City Pier in 1973. My dad was an avid speckled trout fisherman, having loved it since he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in the early '50's. I inherited his general love of fishing, but saltwater fishing was new to me, having previously experienced only freshwater fishing with a cane pole in my grandfather's farm pond. My first summer at the pier was spend doing a few odd jobs, but mostly learning how to catch fish in the ocean; flounder,drum, sheepshead, mackerel, and blues to name a few. It was wonderful, and I caught on pretty quickly.</p> <p> We lived in Smithfield in the off season and made trips to Surf City in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Down here, we stayed in a 48 foot long by 12 feet wide trailer which was normally quite cozy. It was very unnerving, though, to be in it when there was a bad storm, expecially like the one that hit the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, 1974. That "nor'easter," with winds over 60 mph, rattled and shook the little trailer, but it survived. Much of the pier, however, did not.</p> <p> That next Sunday morning the old steel pier was collapsing. The pierhouse was located over the water at that time, complete with a small grill and tackle shop, gameroom with pool table; foosball table, and even a jukebox, and a 2-table dining area. And as a result, my dad ordered all of us out in case it fell too. My brother and I were the first out followed by mom who was carrying an armful of important documents and insurance paperwork. My dad came out last, carrying the most important things to him other than his family....his trout fishing rods.</p> <p> The pierhouse did survive somehow, and the winter and early spring were spent rebuilding what was lost. Alot of fish were caught in the ensuing years, and the weather remained quiet until the early '80's. In part II, I'll briefly discuss a couple of close-call hurricanes and also a rather large fire that occurred in Pender County in 1986.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/surf-city-nc/report/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/surf-city-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ncsenior-planet-tips-for-being-news-savvy-online-nc-011025-64nplvjqqw8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-TIPS-FOR-BEING-NEWS-SAVVY-ONLINE">Tips for being news savvy online</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jan 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SURFCITY-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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It was up for sale and the price was" name="description"/> <meta content="Surf, City, Ocean, Pier, NC" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.425201"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.545601"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Surf City Ocean Pier</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>112 South Shore Drive</div> <div> <span>Surf City</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>28445</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.surfcityoceanpier.com/" target="_blank">Surf City Ocean Pier</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 910-328-3521</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Surf+City+Ocean+Pier%2C+112+South+Shore+Drive%2C+Surf+City%2C+NC+28445" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History</p> <p>In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was right for Edwin P. Lore, Jr. of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was looking for something to do since his career as a surveyor was cut short due to the development of a severe allergy to yellow jacket stings. He spent that first year learning the ins and outs of operating a fishing pier along with his wife, Miriam and two sons, Steve, 16 and Edwin, 11.</p> <p> The very next year a fierce nor'easter destroyed much of the pier just after Thanksgiving. Undaunted, Mr. Lore rebuilt the pier the following year, and despite the many storms in the years that followed, some that caused minor damage and one, Hurricane </p> <p>Fran that completely destroyed the pier in 1996, Surf City Pier celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.</p> <p> During the year I will be reminiscing about some of my experiences during my time at the pier. Oh, and by the way, I'm the youngest son Edwin, who now owns the pier and hopes to continue the Lore family tradition.</p> <p>As I touched on last time, the Lore family bought Surf City Pier in 1973. My dad was an avid speckled trout fisherman, having loved it since he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in the early '50's. I inherited his general love of fishing, but saltwater fishing was new to me, having previously experienced only freshwater fishing with a cane pole in my grandfather's farm pond. My first summer at the pier was spend doing a few odd jobs, but mostly learning how to catch fish in the ocean; flounder,drum, sheepshead, mackerel, and blues to name a few. It was wonderful, and I caught on pretty quickly.</p> <p> We lived in Smithfield in the off season and made trips to Surf City in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Down here, we stayed in a 48 foot long by 12 feet wide trailer which was normally quite cozy. It was very unnerving, though, to be in it when there was a bad storm, expecially like the one that hit the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, 1974. That "nor'easter," with winds over 60 mph, rattled and shook the little trailer, but it survived. Much of the pier, however, did not.</p> <p> That next Sunday morning the old steel pier was collapsing. The pierhouse was located over the water at that time, complete with a small grill and tackle shop, gameroom with pool table; foosball table, and even a jukebox, and a 2-table dining area. And as a result, my dad ordered all of us out in case it fell too. My brother and I were the first out followed by mom who was carrying an armful of important documents and insurance paperwork. My dad came out last, carrying the most important things to him other than his family....his trout fishing rods.</p> <p> The pierhouse did survive somehow, and the winter and early spring were spent rebuilding what was lost. Alot of fish were caught in the ensuing years, and the weather remained quiet until the early '80's. In part II, I'll briefly discuss a couple of close-call hurricanes and also a rather large fire that occurred in Pender County in 1986.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/surf-city-nc/report/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/surf-city-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ncsenior-planet-tips-for-being-news-savvy-online-nc-011025-64nplvjqqw8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-TIPS-FOR-BEING-NEWS-SAVVY-ONLINE">Tips for being news savvy online</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jan 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SURFCITY-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?><?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Surf City Ocean Pier</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>112 South Shore Drive</div> <div> <span>Surf City</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>28445</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.surfcityoceanpier.com/" target="_blank">Surf City Ocean Pier</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 910-328-3521</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Surf+City+Ocean+Pier%2C+112+South+Shore+Drive%2C+Surf+City%2C+NC+28445" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History</p> <p>In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was right for Edwin P. Lore, Jr. of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was looking for something to do since his career as a surveyor was cut short due to the development of a severe allergy to yellow jacket stings. He spent that first year learning the ins and outs of operating a fishing pier along with his wife, Miriam and two sons, Steve, 16 and Edwin, 11.</p> <p> The very next year a fierce nor'easter destroyed much of the pier just after Thanksgiving. Undaunted, Mr. Lore rebuilt the pier the following year, and despite the many storms in the years that followed, some that caused minor damage and one, Hurricane </p> <p>Fran that completely destroyed the pier in 1996, Surf City Pier celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.</p> <p> During the year I will be reminiscing about some of my experiences during my time at the pier. Oh, and by the way, I'm the youngest son Edwin, who now owns the pier and hopes to continue the Lore family tradition.</p> <p>As I touched on last time, the Lore family bought Surf City Pier in 1973. My dad was an avid speckled trout fisherman, having loved it since he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in the early '50's. I inherited his general love of fishing, but saltwater fishing was new to me, having previously experienced only freshwater fishing with a cane pole in my grandfather's farm pond. My first summer at the pier was spend doing a few odd jobs, but mostly learning how to catch fish in the ocean; flounder,drum, sheepshead, mackerel, and blues to name a few. It was wonderful, and I caught on pretty quickly.</p> <p> We lived in Smithfield in the off season and made trips to Surf City in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Down here, we stayed in a 48 foot long by 12 feet wide trailer which was normally quite cozy. It was very unnerving, though, to be in it when there was a bad storm, expecially like the one that hit the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, 1974. That "nor'easter," with winds over 60 mph, rattled and shook the little trailer, but it survived. Much of the pier, however, did not.</p> <p> That next Sunday morning the old steel pier was collapsing. The pierhouse was located over the water at that time, complete with a small grill and tackle shop, gameroom with pool table; foosball table, and even a jukebox, and a 2-table dining area. And as a result, my dad ordered all of us out in case it fell too. My brother and I were the first out followed by mom who was carrying an armful of important documents and insurance paperwork. My dad came out last, carrying the most important things to him other than his family....his trout fishing rods.</p> <p> The pierhouse did survive somehow, and the winter and early spring were spent rebuilding what was lost. Alot of fish were caught in the ensuing years, and the weather remained quiet until the early '80's. In part II, I'll briefly discuss a couple of close-call hurricanes and also a rather large fire that occurred in Pender County in 1986.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/surf-city-nc/report/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/surf-city-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ncsenior-planet-tips-for-being-news-savvy-online-nc-011025-64nplvjqqw8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-TIPS-FOR-BEING-NEWS-SAVVY-ONLINE">Tips for being news savvy online</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jan 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SURFCITY-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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It was up for sale and the price was" name="description"/> <meta content="Surf, City, Ocean, Pier, NC" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.425201"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.545601"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Surf City Ocean Pier</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>112 South Shore Drive</div> <div> <span>Surf City</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>28445</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.surfcityoceanpier.com/" target="_blank">Surf City Ocean Pier</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 910-328-3521</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Surf+City+Ocean+Pier%2C+112+South+Shore+Drive%2C+Surf+City%2C+NC+28445" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History</p> <p>In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was right for Edwin P. Lore, Jr. of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was looking for something to do since his career as a surveyor was cut short due to the development of a severe allergy to yellow jacket stings. He spent that first year learning the ins and outs of operating a fishing pier along with his wife, Miriam and two sons, Steve, 16 and Edwin, 11.</p> <p> The very next year a fierce nor'easter destroyed much of the pier just after Thanksgiving. Undaunted, Mr. Lore rebuilt the pier the following year, and despite the many storms in the years that followed, some that caused minor damage and one, Hurricane </p> <p>Fran that completely destroyed the pier in 1996, Surf City Pier celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.</p> <p> During the year I will be reminiscing about some of my experiences during my time at the pier. Oh, and by the way, I'm the youngest son Edwin, who now owns the pier and hopes to continue the Lore family tradition.</p> <p>As I touched on last time, the Lore family bought Surf City Pier in 1973. My dad was an avid speckled trout fisherman, having loved it since he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in the early '50's. I inherited his general love of fishing, but saltwater fishing was new to me, having previously experienced only freshwater fishing with a cane pole in my grandfather's farm pond. My first summer at the pier was spend doing a few odd jobs, but mostly learning how to catch fish in the ocean; flounder,drum, sheepshead, mackerel, and blues to name a few. It was wonderful, and I caught on pretty quickly.</p> <p> We lived in Smithfield in the off season and made trips to Surf City in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Down here, we stayed in a 48 foot long by 12 feet wide trailer which was normally quite cozy. It was very unnerving, though, to be in it when there was a bad storm, expecially like the one that hit the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, 1974. That "nor'easter," with winds over 60 mph, rattled and shook the little trailer, but it survived. Much of the pier, however, did not.</p> <p> That next Sunday morning the old steel pier was collapsing. The pierhouse was located over the water at that time, complete with a small grill and tackle shop, gameroom with pool table; foosball table, and even a jukebox, and a 2-table dining area. And as a result, my dad ordered all of us out in case it fell too. My brother and I were the first out followed by mom who was carrying an armful of important documents and insurance paperwork. My dad came out last, carrying the most important things to him other than his family....his trout fishing rods.</p> <p> The pierhouse did survive somehow, and the winter and early spring were spent rebuilding what was lost. Alot of fish were caught in the ensuing years, and the weather remained quiet until the early '80's. In part II, I'll briefly discuss a couple of close-call hurricanes and also a rather large fire that occurred in Pender County in 1986.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/surf-city-nc/report/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/surf-city-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ncsenior-planet-tips-for-being-news-savvy-online-nc-011025-64nplvjqqw8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-TIPS-FOR-BEING-NEWS-SAVVY-ONLINE">Tips for being news savvy online</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jan 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SURFCITY-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.425201"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.545601"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/surf-city-nc/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Surf City, NC</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/surf-city-nc/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="containerx"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Surf City Ocean Pier</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>112 South Shore Drive</div> <div> <span>Surf City</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>28445</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.surfcityoceanpier.com/" target="_blank">Surf City Ocean Pier</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 910-328-3521</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Surf+City+Ocean+Pier%2C+112+South+Shore+Drive%2C+Surf+City%2C+NC+28445" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History</p> <p>In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was right for Edwin P. Lore, Jr. of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was looking for something to do since his career as a surveyor was cut short due to the development of a severe allergy to yellow jacket stings. He spent that first year learning the ins and outs of operating a fishing pier along with his wife, Miriam and two sons, Steve, 16 and Edwin, 11.</p> <p> The very next year a fierce nor'easter destroyed much of the pier just after Thanksgiving. Undaunted, Mr. Lore rebuilt the pier the following year, and despite the many storms in the years that followed, some that caused minor damage and one, Hurricane </p> <p>Fran that completely destroyed the pier in 1996, Surf City Pier celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.</p> <p> During the year I will be reminiscing about some of my experiences during my time at the pier. Oh, and by the way, I'm the youngest son Edwin, who now owns the pier and hopes to continue the Lore family tradition.</p> <p>As I touched on last time, the Lore family bought Surf City Pier in 1973. My dad was an avid speckled trout fisherman, having loved it since he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in the early '50's. I inherited his general love of fishing, but saltwater fishing was new to me, having previously experienced only freshwater fishing with a cane pole in my grandfather's farm pond. My first summer at the pier was spend doing a few odd jobs, but mostly learning how to catch fish in the ocean; flounder,drum, sheepshead, mackerel, and blues to name a few. It was wonderful, and I caught on pretty quickly.</p> <p> We lived in Smithfield in the off season and made trips to Surf City in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Down here, we stayed in a 48 foot long by 12 feet wide trailer which was normally quite cozy. It was very unnerving, though, to be in it when there was a bad storm, expecially like the one that hit the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, 1974. That "nor'easter," with winds over 60 mph, rattled and shook the little trailer, but it survived. Much of the pier, however, did not.</p> <p> That next Sunday morning the old steel pier was collapsing. The pierhouse was located over the water at that time, complete with a small grill and tackle shop, gameroom with pool table; foosball table, and even a jukebox, and a 2-table dining area. And as a result, my dad ordered all of us out in case it fell too. My brother and I were the first out followed by mom who was carrying an armful of important documents and insurance paperwork. My dad came out last, carrying the most important things to him other than his family....his trout fishing rods.</p> <p> The pierhouse did survive somehow, and the winter and early spring were spent rebuilding what was lost. Alot of fish were caught in the ensuing years, and the weather remained quiet until the early '80's. In part II, I'll briefly discuss a couple of close-call hurricanes and also a rather large fire that occurred in Pender County in 1986.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/surf-city-nc/report/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/surf-city-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ncsenior-planet-tips-for-being-news-savvy-online-nc-011025-64nplvjqqw8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-TIPS-FOR-BEING-NEWS-SAVVY-ONLINE">Tips for being news savvy online</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jan 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SURFCITY-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SURFCITY-NC">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP North Carolina Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP North Carolina Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNC" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNC" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNC">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />North Carolina</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NCAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">NCAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP North Carolina</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-north-carolina-contact-information/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SURFCITY-NC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNC" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Surf City Ocean Pier - Surf City, NC</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier - Surf City, NC"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was" name="description"/> <meta content="Surf, City, Ocean, Pier, NC" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.425201"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.545601"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Surf City Ocean Pier</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>112 South Shore Drive</div> <div> <span>Surf City</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>28445</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.surfcityoceanpier.com/" target="_blank">Surf City Ocean Pier</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 910-328-3521</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Surf+City+Ocean+Pier%2C+112+South+Shore+Drive%2C+Surf+City%2C+NC+28445" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History</p> <p>In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was right for Edwin P. Lore, Jr. of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was looking for something to do since his career as a surveyor was cut short due to the development of a severe allergy to yellow jacket stings. He spent that first year learning the ins and outs of operating a fishing pier along with his wife, Miriam and two sons, Steve, 16 and Edwin, 11.</p> <p> The very next year a fierce nor'easter destroyed much of the pier just after Thanksgiving. Undaunted, Mr. Lore rebuilt the pier the following year, and despite the many storms in the years that followed, some that caused minor damage and one, Hurricane </p> <p>Fran that completely destroyed the pier in 1996, Surf City Pier celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.</p> <p> During the year I will be reminiscing about some of my experiences during my time at the pier. Oh, and by the way, I'm the youngest son Edwin, who now owns the pier and hopes to continue the Lore family tradition.</p> <p>As I touched on last time, the Lore family bought Surf City Pier in 1973. My dad was an avid speckled trout fisherman, having loved it since he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in the early '50's. I inherited his general love of fishing, but saltwater fishing was new to me, having previously experienced only freshwater fishing with a cane pole in my grandfather's farm pond. My first summer at the pier was spend doing a few odd jobs, but mostly learning how to catch fish in the ocean; flounder,drum, sheepshead, mackerel, and blues to name a few. It was wonderful, and I caught on pretty quickly.</p> <p> We lived in Smithfield in the off season and made trips to Surf City in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Down here, we stayed in a 48 foot long by 12 feet wide trailer which was normally quite cozy. It was very unnerving, though, to be in it when there was a bad storm, expecially like the one that hit the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, 1974. That "nor'easter," with winds over 60 mph, rattled and shook the little trailer, but it survived. Much of the pier, however, did not.</p> <p> That next Sunday morning the old steel pier was collapsing. The pierhouse was located over the water at that time, complete with a small grill and tackle shop, gameroom with pool table; foosball table, and even a jukebox, and a 2-table dining area. And as a result, my dad ordered all of us out in case it fell too. My brother and I were the first out followed by mom who was carrying an armful of important documents and insurance paperwork. My dad came out last, carrying the most important things to him other than his family....his trout fishing rods.</p> <p> The pierhouse did survive somehow, and the winter and early spring were spent rebuilding what was lost. Alot of fish were caught in the ensuing years, and the weather remained quiet until the early '80's. In part II, I'll briefly discuss a couple of close-call hurricanes and also a rather large fire that occurred in Pender County in 1986.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/surf-city-nc/report/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Surf City Ocean Pier</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>112 South Shore Drive</div> <div> <span>Surf City</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>28445</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.surfcityoceanpier.com/" target="_blank">Surf City Ocean Pier</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 910-328-3521</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Surf+City+Ocean+Pier%2C+112+South+Shore+Drive%2C+Surf+City%2C+NC+28445" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History</p> <p>In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was right for Edwin P. Lore, Jr. of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was looking for something to do since his career as a surveyor was cut short due to the development of a severe allergy to yellow jacket stings. He spent that first year learning the ins and outs of operating a fishing pier along with his wife, Miriam and two sons, Steve, 16 and Edwin, 11.</p> <p> The very next year a fierce nor'easter destroyed much of the pier just after Thanksgiving. Undaunted, Mr. Lore rebuilt the pier the following year, and despite the many storms in the years that followed, some that caused minor damage and one, Hurricane </p> <p>Fran that completely destroyed the pier in 1996, Surf City Pier celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.</p> <p> During the year I will be reminiscing about some of my experiences during my time at the pier. Oh, and by the way, I'm the youngest son Edwin, who now owns the pier and hopes to continue the Lore family tradition.</p> <p>As I touched on last time, the Lore family bought Surf City Pier in 1973. My dad was an avid speckled trout fisherman, having loved it since he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in the early '50's. I inherited his general love of fishing, but saltwater fishing was new to me, having previously experienced only freshwater fishing with a cane pole in my grandfather's farm pond. My first summer at the pier was spend doing a few odd jobs, but mostly learning how to catch fish in the ocean; flounder,drum, sheepshead, mackerel, and blues to name a few. It was wonderful, and I caught on pretty quickly.</p> <p> We lived in Smithfield in the off season and made trips to Surf City in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Down here, we stayed in a 48 foot long by 12 feet wide trailer which was normally quite cozy. It was very unnerving, though, to be in it when there was a bad storm, expecially like the one that hit the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, 1974. That "nor'easter," with winds over 60 mph, rattled and shook the little trailer, but it survived. Much of the pier, however, did not.</p> <p> That next Sunday morning the old steel pier was collapsing. The pierhouse was located over the water at that time, complete with a small grill and tackle shop, gameroom with pool table; foosball table, and even a jukebox, and a 2-table dining area. And as a result, my dad ordered all of us out in case it fell too. My brother and I were the first out followed by mom who was carrying an armful of important documents and insurance paperwork. My dad came out last, carrying the most important things to him other than his family....his trout fishing rods.</p> <p> The pierhouse did survive somehow, and the winter and early spring were spent rebuilding what was lost. Alot of fish were caught in the ensuing years, and the weather remained quiet until the early '80's. In part II, I'll briefly discuss a couple of close-call hurricanes and also a rather large fire that occurred in Pender County in 1986.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/surf-city-nc/report/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/surf-city-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ncsenior-planet-tips-for-being-news-savvy-online-nc-011025-64nplvjqqw8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-TIPS-FOR-BEING-NEWS-SAVVY-ONLINE">Tips for being news savvy online</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jan 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SURFCITY-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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It was up for sale and the price was" name="description"/> <meta content="Surf, City, Ocean, Pier, NC" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.425201"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.545601"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Surf City Ocean Pier</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>112 South Shore Drive</div> <div> <span>Surf City</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>28445</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.surfcityoceanpier.com/" target="_blank">Surf City Ocean Pier</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 910-328-3521</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Surf+City+Ocean+Pier%2C+112+South+Shore+Drive%2C+Surf+City%2C+NC+28445" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History</p> <p>In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was right for Edwin P. Lore, Jr. of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was looking for something to do since his career as a surveyor was cut short due to the development of a severe allergy to yellow jacket stings. He spent that first year learning the ins and outs of operating a fishing pier along with his wife, Miriam and two sons, Steve, 16 and Edwin, 11.</p> <p> The very next year a fierce nor'easter destroyed much of the pier just after Thanksgiving. Undaunted, Mr. Lore rebuilt the pier the following year, and despite the many storms in the years that followed, some that caused minor damage and one, Hurricane </p> <p>Fran that completely destroyed the pier in 1996, Surf City Pier celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.</p> <p> During the year I will be reminiscing about some of my experiences during my time at the pier. Oh, and by the way, I'm the youngest son Edwin, who now owns the pier and hopes to continue the Lore family tradition.</p> <p>As I touched on last time, the Lore family bought Surf City Pier in 1973. My dad was an avid speckled trout fisherman, having loved it since he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in the early '50's. I inherited his general love of fishing, but saltwater fishing was new to me, having previously experienced only freshwater fishing with a cane pole in my grandfather's farm pond. My first summer at the pier was spend doing a few odd jobs, but mostly learning how to catch fish in the ocean; flounder,drum, sheepshead, mackerel, and blues to name a few. It was wonderful, and I caught on pretty quickly.</p> <p> We lived in Smithfield in the off season and made trips to Surf City in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Down here, we stayed in a 48 foot long by 12 feet wide trailer which was normally quite cozy. It was very unnerving, though, to be in it when there was a bad storm, expecially like the one that hit the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, 1974. That "nor'easter," with winds over 60 mph, rattled and shook the little trailer, but it survived. Much of the pier, however, did not.</p> <p> That next Sunday morning the old steel pier was collapsing. The pierhouse was located over the water at that time, complete with a small grill and tackle shop, gameroom with pool table; foosball table, and even a jukebox, and a 2-table dining area. And as a result, my dad ordered all of us out in case it fell too. My brother and I were the first out followed by mom who was carrying an armful of important documents and insurance paperwork. My dad came out last, carrying the most important things to him other than his family....his trout fishing rods.</p> <p> The pierhouse did survive somehow, and the winter and early spring were spent rebuilding what was lost. Alot of fish were caught in the ensuing years, and the weather remained quiet until the early '80's. In part II, I'll briefly discuss a couple of close-call hurricanes and also a rather large fire that occurred in Pender County in 1986.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/surf-city-nc/report/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/surf-city-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ncsenior-planet-tips-for-being-news-savvy-online-nc-011025-64nplvjqqw8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-TIPS-FOR-BEING-NEWS-SAVVY-ONLINE">Tips for being news savvy online</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jan 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SURFCITY-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.425201"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.545601"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/surf-city-nc/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Surf City, NC</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/surf-city-nc/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="containerx"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Surf City Ocean Pier</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>112 South Shore Drive</div> <div> <span>Surf City</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>28445</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.surfcityoceanpier.com/" target="_blank">Surf City Ocean Pier</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 910-328-3521</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Surf+City+Ocean+Pier%2C+112+South+Shore+Drive%2C+Surf+City%2C+NC+28445" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History</p> <p>In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was right for Edwin P. Lore, Jr. of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was looking for something to do since his career as a surveyor was cut short due to the development of a severe allergy to yellow jacket stings. He spent that first year learning the ins and outs of operating a fishing pier along with his wife, Miriam and two sons, Steve, 16 and Edwin, 11.</p> <p> The very next year a fierce nor'easter destroyed much of the pier just after Thanksgiving. Undaunted, Mr. Lore rebuilt the pier the following year, and despite the many storms in the years that followed, some that caused minor damage and one, Hurricane </p> <p>Fran that completely destroyed the pier in 1996, Surf City Pier celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.</p> <p> During the year I will be reminiscing about some of my experiences during my time at the pier. Oh, and by the way, I'm the youngest son Edwin, who now owns the pier and hopes to continue the Lore family tradition.</p> <p>As I touched on last time, the Lore family bought Surf City Pier in 1973. My dad was an avid speckled trout fisherman, having loved it since he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in the early '50's. I inherited his general love of fishing, but saltwater fishing was new to me, having previously experienced only freshwater fishing with a cane pole in my grandfather's farm pond. My first summer at the pier was spend doing a few odd jobs, but mostly learning how to catch fish in the ocean; flounder,drum, sheepshead, mackerel, and blues to name a few. It was wonderful, and I caught on pretty quickly.</p> <p> We lived in Smithfield in the off season and made trips to Surf City in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Down here, we stayed in a 48 foot long by 12 feet wide trailer which was normally quite cozy. It was very unnerving, though, to be in it when there was a bad storm, expecially like the one that hit the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, 1974. That "nor'easter," with winds over 60 mph, rattled and shook the little trailer, but it survived. Much of the pier, however, did not.</p> <p> That next Sunday morning the old steel pier was collapsing. The pierhouse was located over the water at that time, complete with a small grill and tackle shop, gameroom with pool table; foosball table, and even a jukebox, and a 2-table dining area. And as a result, my dad ordered all of us out in case it fell too. My brother and I were the first out followed by mom who was carrying an armful of important documents and insurance paperwork. My dad came out last, carrying the most important things to him other than his family....his trout fishing rods.</p> <p> The pierhouse did survive somehow, and the winter and early spring were spent rebuilding what was lost. Alot of fish were caught in the ensuing years, and the weather remained quiet until the early '80's. In part II, I'll briefly discuss a couple of close-call hurricanes and also a rather large fire that occurred in Pender County in 1986.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/surf-city-nc/report/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/surf-city-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ncsenior-planet-tips-for-being-news-savvy-online-nc-011025-64nplvjqqw8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-TIPS-FOR-BEING-NEWS-SAVVY-ONLINE">Tips for being news savvy online</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jan 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SURFCITY-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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It was up for sale and the price was" name="description"/> <meta content="Surf, City, Ocean, Pier, NC" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.425201"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.545601"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Surf City Ocean Pier</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>112 South Shore Drive</div> <div> <span>Surf City</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>28445</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.surfcityoceanpier.com/" target="_blank">Surf City Ocean Pier</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 910-328-3521</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Surf+City+Ocean+Pier%2C+112+South+Shore+Drive%2C+Surf+City%2C+NC+28445" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History</p> <p>In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was right for Edwin P. Lore, Jr. of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was looking for something to do since his career as a surveyor was cut short due to the development of a severe allergy to yellow jacket stings. He spent that first year learning the ins and outs of operating a fishing pier along with his wife, Miriam and two sons, Steve, 16 and Edwin, 11.</p> <p> The very next year a fierce nor'easter destroyed much of the pier just after Thanksgiving. Undaunted, Mr. Lore rebuilt the pier the following year, and despite the many storms in the years that followed, some that caused minor damage and one, Hurricane </p> <p>Fran that completely destroyed the pier in 1996, Surf City Pier celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.</p> <p> During the year I will be reminiscing about some of my experiences during my time at the pier. Oh, and by the way, I'm the youngest son Edwin, who now owns the pier and hopes to continue the Lore family tradition.</p> <p>As I touched on last time, the Lore family bought Surf City Pier in 1973. My dad was an avid speckled trout fisherman, having loved it since he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in the early '50's. I inherited his general love of fishing, but saltwater fishing was new to me, having previously experienced only freshwater fishing with a cane pole in my grandfather's farm pond. My first summer at the pier was spend doing a few odd jobs, but mostly learning how to catch fish in the ocean; flounder,drum, sheepshead, mackerel, and blues to name a few. It was wonderful, and I caught on pretty quickly.</p> <p> We lived in Smithfield in the off season and made trips to Surf City in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Down here, we stayed in a 48 foot long by 12 feet wide trailer which was normally quite cozy. It was very unnerving, though, to be in it when there was a bad storm, expecially like the one that hit the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, 1974. That "nor'easter," with winds over 60 mph, rattled and shook the little trailer, but it survived. Much of the pier, however, did not.</p> <p> That next Sunday morning the old steel pier was collapsing. The pierhouse was located over the water at that time, complete with a small grill and tackle shop, gameroom with pool table; foosball table, and even a jukebox, and a 2-table dining area. And as a result, my dad ordered all of us out in case it fell too. My brother and I were the first out followed by mom who was carrying an armful of important documents and insurance paperwork. My dad came out last, carrying the most important things to him other than his family....his trout fishing rods.</p> <p> The pierhouse did survive somehow, and the winter and early spring were spent rebuilding what was lost. Alot of fish were caught in the ensuing years, and the weather remained quiet until the early '80's. In part II, I'll briefly discuss a couple of close-call hurricanes and also a rather large fire that occurred in Pender County in 1986.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/surf-city-nc/report/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Surf City Ocean Pier</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>112 South Shore Drive</div> <div> <span>Surf City</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>28445</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.surfcityoceanpier.com/" target="_blank">Surf City Ocean Pier</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 910-328-3521</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Surf+City+Ocean+Pier%2C+112+South+Shore+Drive%2C+Surf+City%2C+NC+28445" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History</p> <p>In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was right for Edwin P. Lore, Jr. of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was looking for something to do since his career as a surveyor was cut short due to the development of a severe allergy to yellow jacket stings. He spent that first year learning the ins and outs of operating a fishing pier along with his wife, Miriam and two sons, Steve, 16 and Edwin, 11.</p> <p> The very next year a fierce nor'easter destroyed much of the pier just after Thanksgiving. Undaunted, Mr. Lore rebuilt the pier the following year, and despite the many storms in the years that followed, some that caused minor damage and one, Hurricane </p> <p>Fran that completely destroyed the pier in 1996, Surf City Pier celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.</p> <p> During the year I will be reminiscing about some of my experiences during my time at the pier. Oh, and by the way, I'm the youngest son Edwin, who now owns the pier and hopes to continue the Lore family tradition.</p> <p>As I touched on last time, the Lore family bought Surf City Pier in 1973. My dad was an avid speckled trout fisherman, having loved it since he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in the early '50's. I inherited his general love of fishing, but saltwater fishing was new to me, having previously experienced only freshwater fishing with a cane pole in my grandfather's farm pond. My first summer at the pier was spend doing a few odd jobs, but mostly learning how to catch fish in the ocean; flounder,drum, sheepshead, mackerel, and blues to name a few. It was wonderful, and I caught on pretty quickly.</p> <p> We lived in Smithfield in the off season and made trips to Surf City in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Down here, we stayed in a 48 foot long by 12 feet wide trailer which was normally quite cozy. It was very unnerving, though, to be in it when there was a bad storm, expecially like the one that hit the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, 1974. That "nor'easter," with winds over 60 mph, rattled and shook the little trailer, but it survived. Much of the pier, however, did not.</p> <p> That next Sunday morning the old steel pier was collapsing. The pierhouse was located over the water at that time, complete with a small grill and tackle shop, gameroom with pool table; foosball table, and even a jukebox, and a 2-table dining area. And as a result, my dad ordered all of us out in case it fell too. My brother and I were the first out followed by mom who was carrying an armful of important documents and insurance paperwork. My dad came out last, carrying the most important things to him other than his family....his trout fishing rods.</p> <p> The pierhouse did survive somehow, and the winter and early spring were spent rebuilding what was lost. Alot of fish were caught in the ensuing years, and the weather remained quiet until the early '80's. In part II, I'll briefly discuss a couple of close-call hurricanes and also a rather large fire that occurred in Pender County in 1986.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/surf-city-nc/report/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/surf-city-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ncsenior-planet-tips-for-being-news-savvy-online-nc-011025-64nplvjqqw8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-TIPS-FOR-BEING-NEWS-SAVVY-ONLINE">Tips for being news savvy online</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jan 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SURFCITY-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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It was up for sale and the price was" name="description"/> <meta content="Surf, City, Ocean, Pier, NC" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.425201"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.545601"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Surf City Ocean Pier</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>112 South Shore Drive</div> <div> <span>Surf City</span>, <span>NC</span> <span>28445</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.surfcityoceanpier.com/" target="_blank">Surf City Ocean Pier</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 910-328-3521</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Surf+City+Ocean+Pier%2C+112+South+Shore+Drive%2C+Surf+City%2C+NC+28445" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History</p> <p>In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was right for Edwin P. Lore, Jr. of Smithfield, North Carolina. He was looking for something to do since his career as a surveyor was cut short due to the development of a severe allergy to yellow jacket stings. He spent that first year learning the ins and outs of operating a fishing pier along with his wife, Miriam and two sons, Steve, 16 and Edwin, 11.</p> <p> The very next year a fierce nor'easter destroyed much of the pier just after Thanksgiving. Undaunted, Mr. Lore rebuilt the pier the following year, and despite the many storms in the years that followed, some that caused minor damage and one, Hurricane </p> <p>Fran that completely destroyed the pier in 1996, Surf City Pier celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.</p> <p> During the year I will be reminiscing about some of my experiences during my time at the pier. Oh, and by the way, I'm the youngest son Edwin, who now owns the pier and hopes to continue the Lore family tradition.</p> <p>As I touched on last time, the Lore family bought Surf City Pier in 1973. My dad was an avid speckled trout fisherman, having loved it since he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in the early '50's. I inherited his general love of fishing, but saltwater fishing was new to me, having previously experienced only freshwater fishing with a cane pole in my grandfather's farm pond. My first summer at the pier was spend doing a few odd jobs, but mostly learning how to catch fish in the ocean; flounder,drum, sheepshead, mackerel, and blues to name a few. It was wonderful, and I caught on pretty quickly.</p> <p> We lived in Smithfield in the off season and made trips to Surf City in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Down here, we stayed in a 48 foot long by 12 feet wide trailer which was normally quite cozy. It was very unnerving, though, to be in it when there was a bad storm, expecially like the one that hit the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, 1974. That "nor'easter," with winds over 60 mph, rattled and shook the little trailer, but it survived. Much of the pier, however, did not.</p> <p> That next Sunday morning the old steel pier was collapsing. The pierhouse was located over the water at that time, complete with a small grill and tackle shop, gameroom with pool table; foosball table, and even a jukebox, and a 2-table dining area. And as a result, my dad ordered all of us out in case it fell too. My brother and I were the first out followed by mom who was carrying an armful of important documents and insurance paperwork. My dad came out last, carrying the most important things to him other than his family....his trout fishing rods.</p> <p> The pierhouse did survive somehow, and the winter and early spring were spent rebuilding what was lost. Alot of fish were caught in the ensuing years, and the weather remained quiet until the early '80's. In part II, I'll briefly discuss a couple of close-call hurricanes and also a rather large fire that occurred in Pender County in 1986.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/surf-city-nc/report/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/surf-city-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Surf City</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ncsenior-planet-tips-for-being-news-savvy-online-nc-011025-64nplvjqqw8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-TIPS-FOR-BEING-NEWS-SAVVY-ONLINE">Tips for being news savvy online</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jan 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SURFCITY-NC">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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It was up for sale and the price was" name="description"/> <meta content="Surf, City, Ocean, Pier, NC" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/surf-city-ocean-pier-surf-city-nc.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Surf City Ocean Pier"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History In 1973 Surf City Pier was for the most part a steel pier, old and in somewhat poor condition (pictured above). It was up for sale and the price was"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.425201"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-77.545601"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/surf-city-nc/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Surf City, NC</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/surf-city-nc/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="containerx"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/surf-city-nc/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/surf-city-nc/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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