
DATE: Sunday, May 11, 1997                  TAG: 9705090279

SECTION: CAROLINA COAST          PAGE: 24   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: FUN IN THE SUN 

SOURCE: BY JOHN HARPER, CORRESPONDENT 

                                            LENGTH:   89 lines

TENNIS ANYONE? COURTS SERVE PLAYERS ACROSS THE OUTER BANKS

If you're like most of us tennis players, adapting to playing conditions might be the most challenging aspect of the game.

Sure, an opponent's booming serve and slashing backhand also may be a test. But after a few games at least you know what's coming.

Playing conditions on the Outer Banks are ever-changeable. The wind here is as fickle as Julia Child in a buffet line. Hitting an overhead in the mid-day sun challenges even the most accomplished players. And more often than not, there are courtside distractions to deal with.

But the air on these barrier islands is as clean as the surgeon general's hands. So breathing is never a problem.

And there are plenty of places to play tennis up and down the coast. If you're planning to play during your vacation, here's what to expect on public courts across the Outer Banks.

The two courts behind the Kill Devil Hills town hall were recently resurfaced and the lines were repainted. The nets are in mint condition. Compliments to the town manager: These courts are primo.

A windscreen protects the courts from a westerly breeze and a group of trees offers some protection from a north wind. As for noise, don't expect Wimbledon quiet. Because the courts are part of a sports complex, expect the sounds of softball, baseball, soccer and football games. And don't be surprised to have a ball from another game hit the fence surrounding the courts or to have a well-hit softball land on the courts.

At the Baum Center (near the library) in Kill Devil Hills are the only lighted tennis courts on the northern beaches. Players can turn the lights off and on with the touch of a button. The courts and nets are well maintained by Dare County's parks and recreation department.

Wind is a definite factor on these four courts. There is very little protection from winds of any direction. These courts also are part of a sports complex. Expect some game chatter/cheering and traffic noises.

In Nags Head, there are four hard courts behind Kelly's Restaurant. This is a great place to play when the wind is out of the northeast. Some low-level noise from Kelly's is the only distraction.

These courts are gritty and tend to retain windblown sand. Carry a broom.

Roanoke Island boasts seven courts. The two courts at Manteo Middle School are surrounded by trees, which provide protection from north, east and west winds. Traffic noise on adjacent Highway 64 is consistent, so it's not disturbing.

The five courts at Manteo High School are protected from south and west winds. During the school year, the noise reaches 10 on the Richter scale. But during the summer months, even John McEnroe would approve of the noise level.

First the good news about the tennis courts on Hatteras island: They're all lighted. Now the bad news: There are only four public courts on the island - and they're all in Buxton.

But what nice courts they are. Cape Hatteras School has two reconditioned courts that are fairly well protected from the wind. Hatteras Island tennis regular Charles Williams says, however, a north wind can wreak havoc with lobs and groundstrokes. There is some traffic noise coming off N.C. 12.

The two courts at the Fessenden Center on the west side of N.C. 12 are new. There's good protection from south wind here. But be prepared for sudden switches in direction and speed.

Adjacent basketball court and playground may have the attendant at-play noise. Williams' wife, Bonnie, says a nearby stream provides solace for players on the losing end of a match.

Enjoy your tennis on the Outer Banks.

I do. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DREW C. WILSON

Larry and Lisa Friedkin, vacationers from Glen Allen, Va., play

tennis on the public courts at Kill Devil Hills. New and

reconditioned courts abound on the Outer Banks. Take time out to

play a game or two.

Graphic

WHERE TO PLAY

The Outer Banks boast at least 20 public tennis courts between

Kill Devil Hills and Buxton.

Courts that aren't on school property are open during daylight

hours - except for the ones with lights, which stay open until 11