Dark Tides Supply

I didn't
discover
pirates
yesterday.

The story behind
Dark Tides Supply.

A lifelong obsession

I've always been drawn to pirates. The history, the mystery, the ships, the treasure, and especially the story of Blackbeard.

I've traveled to the places that shaped the legends. Walked the same streets, harbors, and shorelines that pirates once called home.

It's more than a hobby. It's a passion that continues to grow.

— John C. Hockinson

Founder, Dark Tides Supply

John C. Hockinson in pirate dress
The obsession has been going on for a while.

Places I've followed the story

  1. Nassau

    Pirate Museum

    Nassau — the Pirate Museum

  2. New Orleans

    Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop

    New Orleans — Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop

  3. Galveston, TX

    Historic Pirate's Beach

    Galveston, Texas — Historic Pirate's Beach

  4. Outer Banks, NC

    Family. History. Tradition.

    The Outer Banks, North Carolina

  5. Ocracoke Island

    Where the story lives on.

    Ocracoke Island

  6. Teach's Hole

    Springer's Point

    Teach's Hole at Springer's Point
Ocracoke's shoreline at dusk

Ocracoke Island

Where Blackbeard
met his end

I've stood where Blackbeard stood. Explored Teach's Hole, Springer's Point, and the lighthouse that still watches over Ocracoke's wild shoreline.

History isn't just something I read about. It's something I've experienced.

The Smoke and the Man by John C. Hockinson

Where Dark Tides came from

The history. The mystery. The ships. The maps.
The characters. The legends.

All of it led me to write The Smoke and the Man — my deep dive into the life and legacy of Blackbeard.

Dark Tides Supply is the next chapter.

A place to create gear, art, and stories inspired by the world that has captivated me for as long as I can remember.

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Dark Tides Supply gear

History became fascination. Fascination became creation. Creation became Dark Tides.

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