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Ocean Isle Beach Pier is a long stretch of south-facing beach located in North Carolina. It’s a spot that gets a fair amount of surf traffic, especially during the summer months. It tends to draw in surfers looking for a break from the busy nearby Myrtle Beach area, and there are plenty of free parking areas for easy access to the beach. However, it experiences some localism during the summer, so be aware of that while you're out there.
The waves here can be punchy, particularly on incoming tides. Most often, you'll find a chest to head high (about 1 to 2 meters) surf, especially when the swell hits the right direction. Ocean Isle Beach can handle swells from the south and southeast, ranging from about 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters). The best waves tend to break over sand, providing both lefts and rights, with a good right that sometimes reels off the pier, especially during hurricane swells. You’ll want to be out there during mid to high tide with a north wind for the best conditions. It’s worth noting that this spot really needs the right swell and wind combo to be worthwhile, so keep an eye on the forecasts.
Access to the beach is pretty straightforward, and the overall vibe is low-key, with not much crowd issue to worry about. Environmental conditions are decent, but keep in mind that the area experiences some hazards like small sharks and the occasional disengaged local. This is definitely a spot for beginners and intermediates, and you can ride everything from shortboards to longboards and even SUPs. The surf tends to pick up more during the autumn, especially with tropical cyclones and frontal activities, so it’s worth hitting this spot during those times.