In case you haven't heard, there were waterspouts in CB

Some waterspouts came ashore in Carolina Beach last week. But those wanting to get away to the beach should not be alarmed. I've been going to the beach on a regular basis for more than 30 years, and I've seen waterspouts just once -- and I've never seen them come on shore.

For those unaware, waterspouts are essentially tornadoes that form over the ocean. On Thursday morning, up to three -- according to officials -- came on shore in Carolina Beach near Atlanta Ave., Canal Drive and the Boardwalk area of Carolina Beach, according to NBC17.

An initial storm survey report from the National Weather Service indicates that 65 mph winds from the waterspout moved onshore near the Marriott in Carolina Beach, then tracked south paralleling the beach to around the Boardwalk.

It then moved inland and dissipated over Carolina Beach Lake.

A witness says 20 feet of decking south of Hamlet Ave. was lifted by the tornado. Umbrellas were also reportedly tossed near the same location.

Towns pitching in for CB Inlet

Like many inlets along the N.C. coast, Carolina Beach Inlet is filling in with sand and is in need of some serious dredging.

Unfortunately, the Army Corps of Engineers has no money to dredge, so the towns of S.E. N.C. are being asked to pony up, according to reports.

Carolina Beach on Tuesday agreed to pay as much as $55,000 for the $450,000 project. Other communities in New Hanover County will consider money for the dredging at meetings in the coming week. The state has already said it will pay half the cost of the project.

Pleasure Island known for the water sports

(From a press release)

Visitors to Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville beaches find ample opportunities to dive into water sport activities. Whether it is taming the area's world class surf, trying something new like stand-up paddle boarding or simply grabbing the boogie boards with the entire family, the three communities offer a variety of options for all ages and skill levels entering the last weeks of summer fun. Area residents and visitors alike are expected to flock to this year's 15th Annual East Coast Wahine Surfing Tournament, held at Wrightsville Beach Saturday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 21. The nationally-recognized tournament draws almost 200 women surfers and even more surfing fans each year to the renowned Columbia Street surf break. The area is also known for the annual Southeast SUP Championship, drawing stand-up paddle surfers from around the region since 2009 for the nationally-recognized competition. Those considering a trip to one of the beaches might want to check out the rich local surfing culture. At Carolina and Wrightsville Beaches, families can take advantage of a number of surf school and camp options that make life easy for adults and children alike. Both private and group lessons are available for novice as well as advanced surfers. At Kure Beach, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher hosts summer surf camps for children ages 10 and up. ...

Carolina Beach, part of North Carolina's coast, remains a uniquely "original" beach. With a classic boardwalk, fascinating festivals and colorful characters, the beach remains an enjoyable destination for the entire family all year. For more information, visit http://www.carolinabeachgetaway.com or call (800) 641-7082. ...