Ocracoke surf guide

Ocracoke is a surf spot located in the southern part of the Outer Banks, known for its unique vibe and scenery. It can be a bit hit or miss for surfers, with plenty of reports of both disappointing sessions and some surprising fun. Only locals seem to know how to catch it at the right time, and this area often flies under the radar compared to the more popular spots. The waves here can be quick, and there's a lot of chatter about those perfect summer days when swells hit just right, but they can disappear just as fast.

The surf here mainly picks up from the South to Southeast, handling sizes from about 4ft to 7ft (1.2m to 2.1m). When the conditions are right, you can ride both lefts and rights over a sandy bottom. The best time to catch a good wave is during low to mid tides, especially with a Northwest wind. If you're a beginner or intermediate surfer, you might find Ocracoke has some decent options for you, but it's not the easiest spot to predict. You might want to bring a shortboard to make the most of it.

Access to the beach is pretty good with plenty of spots to drive on. Crowds aren't really a problem here, so you’ll have ample room to spread out and find your own piece of ocean. Just keep in mind that the surf is really dependent on seasonal factors like tropical storms in late summer and frontal activity from late fall through spring, so pick your time wisely to maximize your chances of scoring some decent waves.