Surf Forecast  Ocean Isle Beach Pier

Ocean Isle Beach Pier surfspot characteristics

More about Ocean Isle Beach Pier surfspot

This long stretch of south-facing beach is popular in summer with average peaks from mid to high tide only. After an hour of outgoing, things deteriorate rapidly. Can attract a crowd escaping from the manic Myrtle Beach area. Some localism in summer.

General: The best sandbars are near the pier but Ocean Isle suffers from the same affliction of the nearby spots -- a very limited swell window. The waves here are punchy shorebreak waves, working on incoming tides mostly. There's a good right that reels off the pier from time to time, especially during hurricane swells. These beaches, while being among the warmest and most beautiful in the state, are also the most swell-starved, and it takes a strong S swell to create a significant wave. Tides: Mid to higher tide Size: Chest-head high Wind: North Swell: S, SE Bottom: Sand Paddling: Not bad at all. Spot Rating: Needs the right swell and wind combo to be worthwhile.

Good place for beginners.

Plenty of free parking areas.

Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity from late fall through winter into spring.

Crowd Factor: Not an issue. Local Vibe: Pretty much no vibe.

Not bad.

Desolation, paralyzing beauty, small sharks, OI locals and perpetual boredom.