North Carolina - South
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Positives
- South-facing coast
- Good hurricane S swell exposure
- Barrier island set ups
- Pier and jetty breaks
Negatives
- Misses most NE swells
- Inconsistent
- Crowded, access restricted pier surf
- Sharky inlets
North Carolina - South surf travel guide
Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle face due south and, consequently, miss out on NE swells; but they light up when there is a good S or a hurricane swell. Wrightsville is one hotspot with punchy waves, where a dedicated crew of shredders competes with the crowds from the large campus at Wilmington. More well-defined set-ups can be found near Carolina Beach before rounding Cape Fear to the sheltered, south-facing areas of Long Beach and Holden Beach.
Surf spots in North Carolina - South
Research the 12 surf breaks in North Carolina - South and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 12 breaks in North Carolina - South.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to North Carolina - South
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- USD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
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- Dialing out
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- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
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Visas
Due to Covid there are special restrictions so it is essential to check the latest news before booking any trip. Normally most Europeans, Aussies, Kiwis and Japanese are part of the Visa waiver program so do not need a visa to enter the USA for up to 90 days, but they do need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which costs US$14. Other nationalities need to check as the rules are constantly being adjusted.
Getting There
It’s an 8hr drive from New York or 15hrs from Miami. North Carolina’s capital, Raleigh, is 4hrs away or Norfolk, Virginia, is 2hrs. The Cedar Island-Ocracoke Ferry from the S, cuts out miles of driving, but may need a reservation in summer.
Getting Around
A rental car is essential, preferably a 4WD, because if you’re not on the tarmac, there is nothing else but sand. Beach driving is forbidden in some places. Parking near all the piers is tricky unless you are a fisherman, and many of the small towns in summer have nowhere to park.