NC Things To Do, Outer Banks | Surfing in NC

Find Your Wave on the OBX...Nice wave on Hatteras Island NC
The Outer Banks of North Carolina has long been known as one of the top spots on the east coast for surfing. The unique position of our barrier islands allows swells to make it to shore instead of breaking up in the ocean. Favorable winds and offshore storms also help create ideal surfing conditions. The Outer Banks boasts several pro surfers, and the Eastern Surfing Championships are held each September on Hatteras Island. Experienced surfers can find a challenge, and the rest of us can take a surf lesson!

On the Outer Banks, the surfing crowd is quite diverse. You'll find cool grandads who've been surfing since they were teens, professionals who quickly change from suits to wetsuits, kids who can rip better than you'll ever dream of, and novices experiencing the thrill of catching their first waves.

One of the great things about Outer Banks surfing is that there's Row of surfboards in a Nags Head surf shopover 100 miles of coastline - you can join the lineup at a popular break, or you can head on down the beach to find a secluded spot. Each year, coastal storms change sandbar patterns, which in turn creates new breaks. There are well-known Outer Banks surfing spots such as "S-Turns" near Rodanthe, or Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills. Of course, local surfers comb the coastline in search of new breaks. However, don't bother to ask a local for directions to the best new spot - they understandably want to keep that info under wraps!

The good news is that you can have a great session anywhere along the Outer Banks! Head north to Carova in your 4-wheel drive to surf and play on the beautiful beaches all day. Go to Corolla or Duck and you'll find vacationers enjoying the waves. The Central Beaches of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head offer easy parking and several great surfing spots. Hatteras Island is known as the pinnacle of Outer Banks surfing - this is where you'll find the best breaks and biggest waves. But don't worry, beginners can easily find more mellow spots along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

You'll see Outer Banks surfers in the water 4 seasons a year. Yes, even in winter - brrrr! Good waves can happen during any season, but fall traditionally brings the most desirable swells. During peak summer and early fall, wetsuits are hardly ever needed - the water is usually in the mid-70s. Experienced surfers will often optSurfing in Corolla NC for shortboards, but most people will find that longboards are preferable on the Outer Banks.

Never surfed before? There are numerous local professionals who can safely introduce you to the sport. Lessons are available for both kids and adults. Surf lessons are typically conducted with long foam boards that are easier to paddle and stand up on. Just a few words of wisdom for new surfers...
1) Paddling out is hard, hard work - you will definitely get tired. Don't get frustrated; it gets easier as you build more upper body strength.
2) Sign up for a lesson! Why struggle to figure it out on your own? Lessons are easier and much safer.
3) Stay out of the way of experienced surfers. Don't paddle out into the lineup until you are a strong surfer.
4) Sometimes the Atlantic can look like Lake Boring - have a back up plan in case the waves aren't good that day. Waiting for waves is a time-honored tradition among surfers!

Learning to surf isn't easy, but standing up for the first time is well worth all the effort! Have fun!

Outer Banks Surfing Lessons

Corolla Surf Shop
Corolla Surf Shop has 4 locations located in Corolla and over ten years of surf instruction experience. For more info on Corolla Surf Shop's surf school call: (252) 453-WAVE (9283).

Island Revolution Surf Co. & Skatepark
Featuring daily surf lessons and skate lessons. Onsite skatepark. Located at 1210 Ocean Trail, Corolla Light Town Center. (252) 453-9484

Whalebone Surf Shop
Providing surf lessons daily Monday – Friday. Pricing includes instruction, all equipment, and beach transportation. Shop discounts available! Conveniently located in Nags Head. (252) 441-6747.

Right Coast SurfN'Struction
Learn to surf right in front of your rental home - we'll come to you! Friendly and safe surf instruction from a licensed EMT and Ocean Rescue veteran. (252) 489-1893

Check out our list of Outer Banks surf shops to find one near your rental home!

Two guys surfing on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

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NC Things To Do, Outer Banks | Surfing in NC