Jet Ski Ride Area North Carolina

North Carolina
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Most people don't know it, but there is a great river in North Carolina in which to take a long trip on. It is the Cape Fear River that runs between Fayetteville and Wilmington. There are 3 locks along this river, which keeps the river nice and deep.
 
The first lock is 39 miles upstream of Wilmington, at Riegelwood. You can put in at Elwell Ferry 9 miles above this lock, and enjoy a 48 mile cruise to Wilmington. The second lock is at Elizabethtown, and is 72 miles above Wilmington. There is a boat ramp only a 1/2 mile above the lock.
 
The locks are run by the Army Corp of Engineers, and require reservations (48 hours advance) to go through the locks. Contact numbers are 910-655-2605 for Lock #1 at Riegelwood, and 910-862-2347 for Lock #2 at Elizabethtown. Please be aware that this river is VERY remote with no gas service or marinas at any point along the ride, until you get to Wilmington. Travel with at least 3 skis in your group in case of breakdown. We always travel with a 5-gal. can of gas strapped to the back of our pwc's. If you have a 4-stroke, you should make it with no problem.
 
It is a beautiful, remote ride, and with planning, will make a memorable trip. There are hotels and restaurants along the waterfront in Wilmington, as well as the USS North Carolina, a decommissioned WWII battleship, where you can spend a few hours touring. The intracoastal waterway is there, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
 
Ken
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