With more than 300 miles of coastline, North Carolina draws ocean lovers for all kinds of on-the-water recreation. At the top of the list: surfing. While some may be surprised to think of the state as a surfing hot spot, longtime locals have been catching waves on the North Carolina coast since the 1950s.
As the sport grew in popularity, these under-the-radar surf breaks earned a reputation as some of the best, most consistent waves on the Atlantic Ocean. The state hosted early renditions of the Eastern Surfing Association’s Championship (now known as the Easterns) beginning in 1968. Since then, surfers have been coming to North Carolina shores to stake their claim on East Coast surf titles and cement the state’s small-town surf culture.
Want to see what the North Carolina surf scene is all about? Here’s a look at the best ways for surfers of all levels to get in on the action.
Surfing the North Carolina Coast
North Carolina offers opportunities for surfing year-round thanks to its unique coastal geography. The region’s unique positioning — a curved shoreline on the northern coast and a narrow continental shelf along much of the coastline — allows waves to consistently approach the coast from multiple angles throughout the year.
But reliable surf breaks are just one part of the equation. The barrier islands that protect the shoreline from storms are known for taking the brunt of hurricane swells. When conditions are right, the most experienced surfers flock to barrier island hotspots like Cape Hatteras to take on some of the most impressive waves on the East Coast.
Beginner-Friendly Surf Spots
For approachable waves and typically mellow conditions, head to the Wilmington area. The Johnnie Mercers Pier in Wrightsville Beach is known as a great break for beginners. Smaller rolling waves provide a forgiving practice ground for surfers who are getting a feel for their boards and dialing their balance. A bit further south, the Carolina Beach Pier offers similar small, soft breaks for beginners to cut their teeth.
The laidback Topsail area has a mix of wave breaks, but beginners can build their confidence on gentle surf along North Topsail Beach. When you’re ready to take it up a notch, Surf City Ocean Pier and Jolly Roger Pier at Topsail Beach are popular choices where you can ride relatively gentle waves and get a feel for the local surf culture.
Not sure how to get started on your own? The welcoming surf community has a number of surf schools to help get you up on the board and riding your first waves, plus a few events geared to get everyone on the water:
Local tip: When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to a local eatery for a post-surf-session meal. Enjoy a cold drink and lunch from the grill right on the Carolina Beach Pier at the High Tide Lounge & Tiki Bar. You can’t go wrong with the pimento cheese dip and slow-roasted Carolina barbecue. In Surf City, grab a bite at Shaka Taco just a block from the pier. Try one of the restaurant’s signature taco bowls with your choice of protein and toppings served over coconut or Mexican rice.
Breaks for Experienced Surfers
Seasoned surfers looking to challenge themselves can find world-class surf breaks in the Outer Banks & Currituck. This area is known for its big swells year-round, but fall — when the water is still warm but seasonal weather patterns bring even bigger waves — is where the action is.
At Hatteras Inlet, catch powerful barrel waves from the Gulf Stream. Or, when conditions are just right, head 16 miles up the coast to Frisco Beach for a big-wave session.
On the northern stretch of the barrier islands, test your skills on the challenging waves around Jeanette’s Pier in Nags Head. At this longstanding local favorite, varied conditions bring in everything from hollow barrels to fast and steep breaks. For similar conditions with less competition for waves, head to nearby Kill Devil Hills, where you’ll likely share the break with a dedicated few.
Local tip: There’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants in the Outer Banks. Fuel up with coffee and a breakfast sandwich on homemade bread at the Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe before paddling out to surf spots around Hatteras Island. Further up the coast in Nags Head, the Blue Moon Beach Grill is a local lunch spot known for its hearty sandwiches. Try the Mahi Mahi BLT or crab cake sandwich, both served with housemade jalapeño remoulade.
Explore North Carolina Responsibly
While you’re enjoying the thrill of surfing and other on-the-water activities in North Carolina, do your part to actively preserve these coastal ecosystems for future generations. Learn how with Leave No Trace tips from Outdoor NC. Then, join the movement to protect North Carolina’s cherished outdoor spaces.
This post was sponsored by Visit North Carolina.
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