Surf: General: Like most Dare County beachbreaks, the sandbars regularly shift up and down the beach as they are constantly reworked by the surf. But rather than chasing phantom sandbars, there is at least one no-brainer that comes and goes with the sand -- Duck Research Pier. Tides: All tides depending on the sand. Size: Chest high-overhead Wind: Southwest Swell: SE, NE Bottom: Sand and whatever equipment the Corps of Engineers are testing. Paddling: Normally not bad but the right south swell will make it tough to stay next on the peak. Spot Rating: Still has its moments, like the recent beach replenishment, but parking is an issue. Access: Sketchy. In the wintertime, there is rarely a problem with parking. During summer, or on weekends, forget it. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Usually not bad due to lack of parking. Local Vibe: Chill, except when invaded by carpenter/rippers from town on their one-hour lunch breaks: "Don't mean to be rude, but beat it." Environment: Pretty clean. Hazards: Parking is the biggest pain since the parking lot got closed after 9/11. Season: Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity and nor'easters in the late fall and winter.