Ocean Isle Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ocean Isle Surf Guide
The waves here are like all the rest in the armpit beaches, with better sandbars near the piers. The waves here are punchy shorebreak waves, working on incoming tides mostly. There's a good right that reels off the pier from time to time, especially during hurricane swells. These beaches, while being among the warmest and most beautiful in the state, are also the most swell-starved, and it takes a strong S swell to create a significant wave.
Ability Level
Beginner - Intermediate
Good place for beginners.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Pretty much no vibe.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Not an issue.
Spot Rating
Poor
Needs the right swell and wind combo to be worthwhile.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Not bad at all.
Water Quality
Clean
Not bad.
Hazards
Desolation, paralyzing beauty, small sharks, OI locals and perpetual boredom.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard, SUP, Skimming, Bodyboard, Bodysurfing, Kiteboard
Access
Plenty of free parking areas.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity from late fall through winter into spring.
Do you have local knowledge about Ocean Isle?
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