North Island surf guide

North Island is a surf spot located just to the north of Winyah Bay, and the only way to get there is by boat. This island remains undeveloped and is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring lots of shells, dunes, and a full maritime forest. While the trip here can take some effort, the scenery makes it worthwhile. It's more exposed to swells compared to areas further north, making it a potential spot to catch some waves, though watch out for sand bars that can block some south swells near the bay.

The surf here works well on swells coming from the south or southeast and usually handles sizes ranging from about 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet). The waves break over sand and can offer both left and right peaks. For the best experience, aim to surf during low to mid tides at the ends of the island or during mid to high tides in the central beach breaks. Wind from the west, west-northwest, or west-southwest provides preferable conditions, and the currents can vary, so it's good to be mindful of that, especially with stronger winds. This spot is suitable for intermediate to expert surfers and works well for various board types, including shortboards, funboards, longboards, fish, and stand-up paddleboards.

Accessing North Island is difficult since it's only reachable by boat, so you'll likely have the place to yourself. The crowd factor is virtually nonexistent, meaning you can enjoy some quiet time in the water. Keep in mind that the environment is generally clean but often on the cloudy side. While it's a great spot for a surf session, be aware that the area can have stronger currents near the inlets and is somewhat sharkier than other spots, so some caution is recommended.