Outer Banks Surfing Guide

Can you go surfing on the Outer Banks?

The Outer Banks is one of the most ideal places to surf on the entire East Coast! With so many miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline, there are rideable waves more days of the year than not. Surfing is a big part of the local culture on the Outer Banks, as many locals spend a lot of their time surfing. Taking a surfing lesson is the ideal way to learn to surf, but if that is not an option, simply knowing when/where to go and what equipment is needed can help you get started.

When to Surf on the OBX OBX Surf Lessons Surf Gear Where to Surf on the Outer Banks FAQs

When to Surf on the OBX

Surfing may automatically be considered a summer pastime; however, surfing can be a year-round activity with the proper gear and preparation. With the ocean so close, you may think it’s always a good time to go surfing. While that may be true, it’s best to familiarize yourself with local conditions before paddling out at your chosen surf spot.

Check the tide. Be sure to check an OBX tide chart before heading out to surf. When planning your surf session, you’ll need to know the best time to surf in North Carolina, and that is going to depend on which OBX surf spot you choose. Some breaks are better at high tide, and others are optimal at low tide.
Be aware of the ocean temperature. Colder water means you may need a wetsuit to keep warm while paddling around. The water temperature may vary slightly between Duck Research Pier and Jennette’s Pier on any given day.
Surf during daylight hours only. Surfing at night can be dangerous, no matter how small the waves are.
Take into account recommendations from lifeguards. When the red flags are flying, local ocean rescue teams consider the surf dangerous. Take additional caution when yellow flags are flying, as there may be strong currents that are not immediately visible.

OBX Surf Reports & Outer Banks Surf Cameras

Know before you go! For the basics, such as the tides and sunrise and sunset times, check out Twiddy’s OBX Tide Charts and sun tables. Twiddy’s web cam will give you a live look at the surf in Kitty Hawk. For a more comprehensive OBX surf report, check out the paid app Surfline, which gives a breakdown of surf conditions, ocean temperature, tides, and more at surf spots up and down the entire Outer Banks.

Jennette’s Pier offers cameras on each side of the pier, as well as wind conditions, tides, and the current water surface temperature, to determine whether or not to bring your wetsuit.

Surfing Lessons on the OBX

There is a learning curve when trying to surf for the first time. An Outer Banks surfing lesson is a great way to get acquainted with surfing. Learn tips and tricks from local surfers who get great joy from sharing their love of surfing with others.

There are many choices for Outer Banks surfing lessons, but we have a few favorites.

Outer Surf

Locally owned and operated, Outer Surf is a grassroots surfing company located on the beach road in Nags Head. With a mission of cultivating a love for surfing, surf camps, retreats, and lessons are available right across the street from their surf shop.

Corolla Surf Shop

Corolla Surf Shop has been teaching surfing lessons on the Outer Banks for decades. They offer several different classes, so lessons can be tailored to age and skill level.

Outer Banks Surf School

Founded in 2008 by a Kill Devil Hills local, Outer Banks Surf School offers different levels of surf lessons and camps. Choose from group lessons or private one-on-one lessons. Instructors will come to you, from Corolla through Hatteras.

Surf Gear

If you’re planning to surf on the Outer Banks, there is one important piece of equipment you need to have…a surfboard! Selecting a surfboard at any of the surf shops on the OBX can be overwhelming – do you need a short board or a long board? Foam or fiberglass? For beginner surfers, a foam longboard is likely the best choice. Foam boards are more buoyant and forgiving, offering enhanced stability for beginners. Foam boards are also soft, reducing the risk of injury if the surfboard hits the rider. Shortboards are less buoyant and are generally used to surf large waves. Surf shop employees are happy to share their knowledge and offer surfboard recommendations based on skill level and body type.

Not ready to invest in a surfboard quite yet? Most Outer Banks equipment rental companies rent foam surfboards on a daily or weekly basis:

You may also want to consider: a wetsuit if the water is cold, a rash guard, and surf wax. No matter what type of surfboard you choose, make sure it has a leash that can be strapped to your ankle.

Where to Surf on the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks has a wide variety of good surf spots. Many are popular OBX surf spots and may be busy during ideal conditions. It is possible to have amazing surf right outside of your oceanfront vacation home or the nearest beach access. Some surf spots are perfect for beginners, and others are suited for more skilled surfers. Be sure to observe all posted regulations about parking, beach driving, and/or surfing in each area. Several of the areas can have strong currents and heavy surf. Use caution if paddling out, or simply relax in the sand and watch the talented local OBX surfers shred. Heed any warnings from Ocean Rescue, such as red flags or rip current warnings on the lifeguard stand’s chalkboard. Love the Beach Respect the Ocean offers a daily report of surf conditions along the majority of the beaches on the Outer Banks.

Corolla and Carova Duck Research Pier Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head Jennette's Pier Irene's Inlet The Point

Corolla and Carova

With flat beaches and gradual ocean entry, Corolla and Carova are great surfing destinations for beginners. Rolling waves can break and carry surfers all the way to the beach on an ideal day. A 4×4 vehicle is required to get to Carova, and parking passes are required to park on the beach during certain times of the year. It’s worth the effort for a fun day of surfing!

Duck Research Pier

Like most local piers, Duck Research Pier has great surf on either side of the pier. Access is limited and requires a long hike down the beach, as there are no public beach accesses in the town of Duck. Surfers should not paddle out too close to the pier, and also use extreme caution, as sections of the water are sometimes closed for research purposes.

“In Town”, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head

When there are waves, the surfers will definitely be out in the water in many areas of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. Lovingly referred to as “in town”, local surfers will paddle out for a session before or after work with friends and neighbors. The waves at each particular beach access will vary, as sandbars can shift when hurricanes or nor’easters move through the Outer Banks. Be sure to park at a marked beach access, not along the street or at a business.

Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head

One of the oldest surf spots on the Outer Banks, Jennette’s Pier offers convenience and amenities along with surf. The pier was destroyed during Hurricane Isabel in 2003. A concrete pier with an expansive, multi-functional pier house was constructed in its place. Before you head there, get prepared by taking a live look at the surf at Jennette’s Pier. The surf is consistent and great for beginners. Many local surf instructors choose to teach surf lessons at Jennette’s Pier. There is a large parking lot and many food and beverage choices nearby for refueling post-surf. Try to get there early for the clean surf, as it can be windy in the afternoons.

Irene’s Inlet, just north of Rodanthe Village

The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is an approximately 13-mile-long stretch at the northern end of Hatteras Island. The refuge provides habitat and protection for migratory birds. There are no vacation homes, campgrounds, or businesses here, so the beaches are wide open and peaceful. Although the surf is excellent along the beach in Pea Island, the legendary surf spot Irene’s Inlet is located in this stretch of the coast. In 2011, Hurricane Irene created a half-mile breach in the landscape, where the dunes and road were washed out, and the ocean met the sound. Identified by the temporary bridge that has since been replaced with the Richard Etheridge Bridge, Irene’s Inlet instantly became a popular surf spot. Local professional surfers are no strangers to Irene’s Inlet, making this the place to go if you’d like to watch some skilled surfers in action.

The Point, Buxton

A well-known break among local and visiting surfers, The Point is at the former site of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The lighthouse was moved approximately 1,500 feet from the seashore in 1999. The jetties constructed to protect the lighthouse in its previous location remain, providing consistently good surf.

FAQs About Surfing on the Outer Banks

The red no swimming flags are up at the beach, but there are surfers out. Is it safe to surf?

When the red flags are up, dangerous ocean conditions are present and swimming is prohibited. Red flag regulations for surfing vary slightly in each town. As always, we recommend staying out of the water if the red flags are flying.

Can I surf by a fishing pier?

It’s no secret that there are usually surfable waves by OBX fishing piers. Surfing right beside a fishing pier is prohibited. Each pier has signs posted with the distance you must stay away from the pier when in the water, whether it is 100 yards or 300 feet. It’s best to heed the warnings – nothing ruins a vacation quite like colliding with a pier piling or getting a fish hook stuck in your foot.

Where do I park to reach the spot I’d like to surf?

Nothing’s worse than coming back from an epic surf sesh to find that your car’s been towed. Be sure to observe any and all parking regulations at the surf spot you’ve chosen. Parking along NC-12 is permitted at spots down south on parts of Hatteras Island; however, parking along NC-12 is strictly prohibited in town and in Duck and Corolla. It’s best to find a designated beach access to park your vehicle.

What is the water temperature on the Outer Banks?

The ocean temperature varies and can change within a few hours if the wind direction switches. Just because it’s July and 90° out doesn’t mean that the ocean temperature will be comfortable!

On average, OBX ocean temperatures are generally at their highest in July and August, at close to 80°. Outer Banks ocean temperatures are around their lowest at the beginning of March, when they are in the mid-50° range.

Can you surf in the ocean on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP)?

Yes! Paddling into the wave on a SUP differs from a regular surfboard, but it is possible to ride the waves similarly. Stand-up paddleboards are longer and thicker than regular surfboards and are designed for stability and cruising on smaller surf.

Do I need to wear a wetsuit?

Check the water temperature in the Outer Banks before you get to the beach. When the water is around 65° or cooler, you may choose to wear a wetsuit for comfort. If you don’t have your own wetsuit, many surf shops rent them out.

What is the best time to surf in the Outer Banks?

It’s no secret that we love Fall on the Outer Banks. The surf in the Fall can vary from small to huge, depending on the presence of storms in the Atlantic Ocean. In general, the ocean temperature is still warm and the crowds are few.

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Guide to Surfing on the Outer Banks