History of NCBBA

About NCBBA Then and Now

The first official meeting of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association was held in March of 1964 in John Yancey Motor Lodge in Kill Devil Hills, NC bringing to fruition the idea of creating an organization discussed two years earlier in 1962. For those who don't know, in early March 1962, a fierce nor´easter slammed the entire East Coast, causing devastating losses to the coastal communities from Florida to Maine. In fact, Buxton Inlet was formed between Avon and Buxton during the storm that was artificially closed soon after the opening. The Outer Banks beaches took a tremendous pounding, and in the aftermath, the Government was considering closing the beaches to off road vehicles (ORV). This did not happen, but the potential for such a closure raised concern among a few local citizens. There weren´t very many sportfishermen back then, nor many 4WD vehicles for that matter.

Richard "Smokey" Schollar, a member of the already established New Jersey Beach Buggy Association (NJBBA), and a visitor to the Outer Banks, encouraged a local citizen and noted fisherman, Bob Preston to form such an organization on the Outer Banks. Bob talked about the idea with some local sports fishermen and women, and they met several times to discuss and plan how the NCBBA could come into being.

It was decided that the organization would model the NJBBA, and the first meeting was conducted to elect Officers and Directors. Bob Preston was elected President and was assigned license plate #1. The other officials elected were: Carl "Ace" Horneff, #2, of Toms River, NJ, Vice President; Aline Drew, #3, of Nags Head, Secretary; Texine Britt, #4, from Nags Head, Treasurer; W.A. Williams, #5, from Nags Head, Director; C.B. "Shorty" Woodard, #6, from Chesapeake, VA, Director; Russell Ferry, #7, of Reedsville, VA, Director; and Jim Henry, #8, from Waves, NC, Director.

Since its inception, the NCBBA assumed the role stewards for the beaches of the Outer Banks. First and foremost, and to this day, the NCBBA strives to ensure continued access to the beaches for everyone. In order to accomplish this, the NCBBA established a partnership with the National Park Service at Cape Hatteras. The NCBBA recognized that beach access for park users is a privilege, not a right. The NCBBA established a code of ethics and beach conservation that are followed then and now by all responsible members using the beach. As the reputation of the NCBBA blossomed, so did the membership. The NCBBA has initiated several programs over the years to help enhance the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area. The NCBBA has worked hand in hand with the National Park Service and established Operation Beach Respect (OBR). A program to keep beaches clean and conserve this perishable resource.

There have been many great leaders of the NCBBA......... Past Presidents include Claire Bullington, Donn Mitchell, James Lee, Robert Sheets, Joe Malat, George Deems, David Wilcox, John Newbold, Jim Keene, David Joyner, Harry Nash and the current President, Al Adam. Serving with these men and women are numerous members who served as, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director from many states other than North Carolina.

One of the most noted members was the late David Deuel. David was an avid drum fisherman, and his efforts paid off, when on November 7, 1984, David landed the current all tackle record red drum from the beach in Avon. The fish that landed David in the record books weighed over ninety-four pounds and is displayed at Frank and Frans Tackle shop in Avon, NC.

From the initial discussions between Smokey Schollar and Bob Preston to the birth of the NCBBA, the patrons of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area realized the importance of the organization. Over the years the membership has grown significantly, with members in 38 states and a couple of countries. You will be hard pressed to spend any time on the beach without seeing the NCBBA´s trademark blue license plate. The current active membership tops 3,400, and license plates numbering over 16000 have been issued.

Code of Ethics

The North Carolina Beach Buggy Association is a non-profit organization established in 1964, dedicated to the preservation of and vehicular access to the natural beach resources of the Outer Banks through conservation, a code of ethics for beach behavior and support of local, state, federal officials and other organizations dedicated to these same goals.

To enter and leave the beaches only at approved and designated places determined by local, state or federal ordinances.
To discourage speeding and reckless driving on the beaches.
To respect local, state and federal ordinances and the rights of property owners.
To advise NCBBA members who are experiencing problems driving on the beaches.
To respect persons bathing and picnicking by avoiding them whenever possible and by slowing down to a minimal speed when passing such groups.
To avoid littering the beach with trash by depositing it in trash containers wherever available or by bagging and removing it from the beach.
To avoid littering the beach with dead bait, carcasses, or other dead fish of any kind.
To avoid overcrowding any one area and displacing anglers from their previously chosen spot.
To leave room for other vehicles to pass safely when parked.
To refill holes and remove boards or other aids after being stuck, leaving the beach passable for others.
To observe common courtesy on the beach and observing the rules of the road when meeting or passing other vehicles in constricted areas.
To remember, at all times, that the unspoiled beaches of all seashore areas afford pleasure to everyone, and it is incumbent upon us to preserve this natural heritage.