North End sits along the residential stretch of North Litchfield, where wide, beautiful beaches front a fairly marginal surf zone. Because the break is tucked into a slightly recessed part of the coast, it tends to run smaller than its neighbors: when it is waist- to chest-high here, it is often chest- to head-high at Huntington or Pawley's Island. Waves break over a sand bottom as scattered peaks that peel both left and right, and the spot picks up just about any swell that reaches this part of the coast.
When It Works
The spot draws swell from east to south-southeast (E-SSE), and it is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. This is a below-average break rather than a standout, but the scattered peaks spread surfers out and suit just about everyone most days. Autumn is the prime window, with late summer, early fall, and early spring also worth keeping an eye on.
Wind and Tide
Look for offshore wind from the northwest (NW), with a workable wind window running from west-northwest to north-northwest (WNW-NNW). The break comes in on mid to high tide, with a rising tide the better call. Winds are generally mellow, though hard northeast or southwest blows can kick up strong currents, so keep an eye on the drift on those days.
Local Tips
Expect a quiet lineup that can feel a little reserved when it works. The scattered peaks and forgiving beachbreak setup handle everything from shortboards and fish to funboards, longboards, and SUPs, and there is room for beginners, intermediates, and experts alike.
Access
Getting in the water is easy, with lots of public beach access along this stretch. Watch for the odd sea creature, and note that heavy rains can bring some runoff pollution to the water.
