S Turns is a surf spot located in Rodanthe, known for its heavy barrels that break close to the beach. It has gained a lot of attention in recent years, often compared to well-known beach breaks like Hossegor. However, that hype has led to some serious overcrowding, especially when Rodanthe Pier isn't working. It's a part of a long stretch of decent waves, but find a good spot can be tricky, especially during peak times.
The waves here handle sizes as low as 2ft (about 0.6 meters) and up, with the best conditions generally on southeast swells. You’ll find beach breaks that can run left and right, and they work best with low to mid tides. While it can still be surfed at high tide, conditions usually drop off if it’s small. For wind, west is the preferred direction. Sanity check: this isn’t for beginners; intermediate surfers will feel more at home.
Keep in mind that paddle-outs can be tough, especially when the waves are big, and there’s a strong drift to deal with. If you're thinking of heading over, know that roadside parking is now illegal, so finding a legal spot on Rodanthe streets means a bit of a walk. Just make sure you're ready to share the water with plenty of other surfers!