Iron Steamer surf guide
Surf: General: This break is practically located right between Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach. The Steamer tends to break with a bit more punch than the pier but lacks the consistency. The lineup can get hairy on a bomb south in the summer, but most of the year, crowds aren't that big of a deal.
Tides: Low to mid tide
Size: Chest high-overhead
Wind: North
Swell: S, SE
Bottom: Sand and shipwreck.
Paddling: Not bad at all.
Spot Rating: Pretty average zone but can turn on under the right conditions.
Access: Parking at Iron Steamer and Memorial Park costs $10 on , Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays throughout the summer.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Pretty mellow, especially in the offseason.
Local Vibe: Chill, except for the occasional old grump.
Environment: Not too bad.
Hazards: None really but there is a wreck there.
Season: Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity from late fall through winter into spring.