S-Turns Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
S, SE, NE
Wind
Southwest or West
Surf Height
Head high-overhead+
Tide
All tides depending on the sand.
S-Turns Surf Guide
S-Turns is the name given to the final, winding stretch of Pea island road before the town of Rodanthe. If it's on, everyone gets barreled. Subtle sand fingers throw perhaps the best barrels on the island. S swells spew pure magic for surfers, while the NE swells, depending on how the sand is, offer a chunkier, less predictable thrill. Generally likes offshore W winds and an incoming tide.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
If it's good beginners should go somewhere more mellow.
Local Vibe
Intimidating
Not even close to what it used to be but a few transplants from Virginia will still give you the stink eye.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Not as bad as it once was but can get jammed up if the sand is right.
Spot Rating
Fun
A fraction of its former self since the Nights in Rodanthe house moved down the street but on the right day...
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Can be mellow but forget about fighting the current on a big south swell.
Water Quality
Clean
Actually not that bad unless after a storm.
Hazards
Marine life and pieces of houses.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish
Access
Find some packed sand and pull off before you get into Mirlo. The Jug-Handle bridge might change things in late 2021.
Bottom
Sand
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 S-Turns?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]