Eckner Street 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.
Eckner Street Surf Guide
A convenient, subterranean beachbreak positioned between two more frequented zones — Kitty Hawk Pier to the north and Laundromats/Old Station to the south, Eckner Street is similarly exposed to accept N swells and S swells and tropical swells and frontal windswells and combo swells and background trade 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 distinctly OBXesque vulnerability to the elements, when the Eckner bar does light up, it doesn't last long. Its shelf life depends on the sandbar’s life. However, it is often an inside spot that likes an incoming tide.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Any and all levels
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Family friendly.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Can be crowded, especially in the summer.
Spot Rating
Fun
Tends to break a bit further off the beach so enjoyed by the longboarders and SUP crew.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Normally not bad but the right south swell will make it tough to stay next on the peak.
Water Quality
Fair
Leaky septics, especially after big storms.
Hazards
An Art's burger after your surf.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard, SUP, Skimming, Bodyboard, Bodysurfing, Kiteboard
Access
A few options around but steer clear of taking up spots at Art's, Winks or Ocean Blvd.
Bottom
Sand but a wreck out there too.
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 Eckner Street?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]