Surf: The northern tip of the Outer Banks has a more extensive shelf than all the breaks to the south. This means a bit less size and power for the area, but nonetheless, it receives some decent waves when the sand lines up. SE swells are favored plus it will handle a S wind better, as it faces a touch NE. . Environment: Throughout the Outer Banks, hazards include sharks, jellyfish, and sea-lice in the summer months. Access can be problematic since most of the ocean frontage is residential. Legal access paths are few, which means it is generally the local builders who score all the waves. This explains the lack of crowds on this consistent stretch of coast. 4WD beach access means you can drive up to the Virginia State line. Surf: General: Corolla is perhaps the most unsung of OBX beaches, and understandably so. Aside from the odd summer swell that misses Nags Head, the beaches here offer few surfing benefits that cannot be found elsewhere on the OBX. There are no specific or consistent breaks to monitor, and it's basically one big shifting sandbar. Sure, you may find a good wave, but it tends to be mushier and farther off the beach, and there will probably be something just as good or better in Dare County. Tides: Low tide Size: Chest high-overhead Wind: Southwest Swell: SE, NE Bottom: Sand Paddling: Normally not bad but the right south swell will make it tough to stay next on the peak. Spot Rating: If you are there on vacation that's cool but not worth fighting traffic to get up there. Plus, there isn't really parking. Access: Severely limited access unless you've rented a house. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Crowded if the McMansions are filled with surfers; otherwise, not bad. Local Vibe: Uh, locals? Environment: Not bad. Hazards: Sunburn, nematocysts and tourist-mouth. Season: Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity and nor'easters in the late fall and winter.