Frisco surf guide

Frisco is a surf spot located on the southern coast, known for its south-facing orientation which helps capture a variety of swells. Even though the iconic Cape Hatteras Pier is gone, Frisco still draws in surfers looking for a spot to ride some waves. The area is generally protected from harsh north and northeast winds, making it a decent choice for a session when conditions align. You'll find parking available, but be prepared for the unpredictable nature of the surf here.

The surf at Frisco can be pretty fickle. It typically handles swells from 4ft to 8ft (about 1.2 to 2.4 meters), with the best results coming from south to south-southwest swell directions. Low to mid tide often works well, especially with northeast wraps or hurricane swells, but don’t be surprised if you encounter strong currents. Waves can break both left and right over a sandy bottom, and while sometimes you get nice grinding lefts, more often than not you’ll find mushy peaks that turn into closeouts when they hit the sandbar. When the conditions are right, which can change in an instant, you might just find some fun rides here.

In terms of crowd levels, it varies depending on the swell, but it doesn't get as busy as it did back in the day when the pier was still there. The local vibe is generally chill, especially when the sand is decent and surfers can spread out. The main hazard to be mindful of is sharks, along with the old pieces of the pier that may still be lurking beneath the waves. The best time to hit Frisco is during the storm season, particularly in autumn when tropical cyclones and nor'easters can bring in some solid swells.