North Carolina’s coast is famous for its large swells and professional surfing tournaments. We recommend you try your luck at surfing in the Outer Banks while you’re here. Whether you’re an experienced wave rider or a beginner, our beautiful shores provide the perfect wave-riding opportunities for everyone!
If you want to discover more exciting activities, attractions, restaurants, and historical sights in the Outer Banks, make sure you request our complimentary Vacation Guide!
The Best Places to Go Surfing in the Outer Banks
1. Nags Head Pier
The beach surrounding Nags Head Pier is one of the bests spots for surfing in the Outer Banks. This is a great place for all skill levels, but that also means crowds of people flock here every day. Visit early in the morning for the best experience.
Check out the Nags Head Pier Surf Cam.
2. Kitty Hawk Pier
If you’re searching for the best surfing in the Outer Banks, make sure you head to the Kitty Hawk Pier after a storm. The waves here are second to none in the area, and they extend well beyond the pier (just make sure you stay at least 100-feet away from the pier).
Check out the Kitty Hawk Pier Surf Cam.
3. Jennette’s Pier
Not only is Jennette’s Pier a fantastic fishing hotspot with great beachfront, but it’s also home to consistent swells throughout the day. That’s why it’s home to the WRV Outer Banks Pro tournament every year. If it works for the pros, it works for everyone! Plus, it’s the closest surfing spot in the Outer Banks to Manteo and your Pirate’s Cove rental.
Check out the Jennette’s Pier Surf Cam.
4. Avalon Pier
Like the Kitty Hawk Pier, this Outer Banks surfing hub offers wave riders excellent swells after a storm. Avalon Pier has ample parking, but you’ll still want to arrive early if you plan on enjoying the waves without large crowds of swimmers and surfers around you.
Check out the Avalon Pier Surf Cam.
5. Irene’s Inlet (New Inlet)
This section of beach located north of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge at the base of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge is one of the best Outer Banks surfing locations. If you don’t like large crowds, this is a fantastic place to bring your board and be one with the waves. Park north of the inlet near the Oregon Inlet campground for the shortest walk to the beach.
6. Rodanthe Pier
The tiny beach village of Rodanthe is about a 35-minute drive south of Manteo, but it’s worth every minute for avid surfers. This popular Outer Banks surfing destination known as the S-Turns hosts some of the best wave riding on the Hatteras Island. Make sure you put this on your list of must-surf spots on the North Carolina coast.
Check out the Rodanthe Surf Cam.
Outer Banks Surfing Lessons
If you want to learn how to surf in the Outer Banks, there are plenty of local tour and adventure companies that offer lessons. Check out our list of places in Nags Head and Duck that provide quality teaching for all ages and levels of experience!
Plan Your North Carolina Coast Adventure
Pirate’s Cove has everything you need to plan the ultimate Outer Banks surf trip. Our collection of home and condo rentals on Roanoke Island offers a vacation like no other on the North Carolina coast. You can escape the crowds in Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills while still being less than 10-minutes from the beach and within minutes of restaurants, local history, and shops.
Start planning your getaway today by booking one of our properties. We look forward to welcoming you to the Outer Banks.
