3rd St. Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SE, NE
Wind
Southwest
Surf Height
Head high-overhead+
Tide
All tides depending on the sand.
3rd St. Surf Guide
A fairly reliable zone between the Kill Devil Hills pressure cookers of Avalon Pier and 1st Street, 3rd Street is similarly exposed to accept northeast swells, tropical swells and everything in between. And it can work on all tides. Even wind chop and drift sessions can be fun. All of this, however, depends solely on how the sand is settling around town. With no real structures (i.e. jetties or groins), only periodic beach nourishment, constant bombardment from the Atlantic, and a distinct vulnerability to the elements, when the 3rd Street bar does light up, it doesn't last long. Its shelf life depends on the sandbar’s life. Also, thanks to the perpetually doomed Sea Ranch hotel, the beach has a significant slope, so there’s usually some kind of trough at low tide and a lot of backwash at high tide.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Any and all levels
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Not too bad at Third but can be a bit worse down at First if the sandbar is good.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Fairly spread out since not a lot of parking nearby.
Spot Rating
Fun
The sand comes and goes but when things lineup the locals tend to know about it pretty quick.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Normally not bad but the right south swell will make it tough to stay next on the peak.
Water Quality
Clean
Better than some other spots in the area but still some issues.
Hazards
Finding a parking spot.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard, SUP, Skimming, Bodyboard, Bodysurfing, Kiteboard
Access
Not really much parking around Third so you'll have to snag a spot at the Second Street access and walk down. Don't park on the street or you'll get a ticket (or towed).
Bottom
Sand; triangle wrecks just to the south between First and Second street.
Best Season
Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity and nor'easters in the late fall and winter.
Do you have local knowledge about 3rd St.?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]