Duck Pier is a popular surfing spot located in Dare County. It offers a mix of beachbreak waves that can be fun for various skill levels. The sandbars are known to shift frequently due to the surf, providing surfers with different conditions throughout the year. This spot can especially come alive with the right swells and tides, making it a favorite for those who know when to catch the waves.
The surf here can handle swells from about 6 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3.7 meters) and works best with east to southeast swells. Whether you’re riding a shortboard, fish, or even a longboard, you can expect fun beach and pier breaks to see you through. The waves can come in both left and right directions, and the right south swell can be challenging if you want to stay close to the peak. The bottom is mostly sandy, but watch out for any equipment from the Corps of Engineers that might be around. Surfing is generally good during low to mid tides, but you can still catch decent waves during mid to high tides as well, especially with favorable southwest winds.
Parking is the main hassle at Duck Pier, especially during summer and weekends when it gets crowded. The local vibe is usually pretty chill; just be prepared for the occasional invasion of town surfers trying to make the most of their lunch breaks. The environment is generally clean, making it a nice spot to spend the day. The best seasons for surfing here are in autumn, with the potential for some great action during tropical storms in late summer and fall, as well as nor'easters in late fall and winter.