Figure Eight and Shell Islands surf guide

Figure Eight and Shell Islands are located along the coast of North Carolina, near Wrightsville Beach. Figure Eight Island is a private community that stretches about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Rich Inlet to Mason Inlet, making it pretty exclusive to those who have a pass or special permission to access it. Most surfers will find themselves paddling north from Shell Island to check the waves at Figure Eight. Shell Island, on the other hand, is more accessible and is a good spot to check when Wrightsville isn’t looking too great.

When it comes to surfing here, these islands can have their moments. The waves can handle swell sizes from about 1 meter (3ft) to 2.1 meters (7ft). Most swells come from the south to southeast, and it's best to aim for low to mid tides to catch the good stuff. The sand bottom makes for beach breaks that can offer both right and left hand waves, appealing mainly to longboarders but suitable for shortboards and fish too. You'll want conditions with west winds for the best experience, and while paddling out is usually chill, keep an eye out for current from south swells. So, check out Shell Island to get a feel for what Figure Eight is doing—it's a decent gauge of conditions. You might even want to bring binoculars to scope things out if you're serious about finding the best waves.

The vibe at these spots is generally pretty mellow, with a crowd factor that isn't too overwhelming. The environment is usually fine for surfing unless there's been heavy rain or a storm. The surf season tends to lean towards the autumn months, especially with tropical cyclones rolling through late summer and fall, bringing more action to these islands. Just remember that parking can be a hassle, so plan ahead if you're looking to catch some waves!