Surf: General: The beaches of Surf City and Topsail are referred to as the Onslow County beaches and are characterized by weak south swells that produce few surprises during the summer and fall months. You might stumble upon something worth riding, but generally, these are not prime surfing destinations, even by North Carolina standards.

Lying on the north side of the 22-mile-long island of Topsail, Surf City functions mainly as a military center and a vacation spot for Jacksonville weekenders (mostly from Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base nearby). The name of the town is a double misnomer: it's far from a city, and as far as surf is concerned, you'd be better off getting the detergent. The Pier offers a dribbly reform that sometimes provides enough juice to be deemed a shorebreak. If you're desperate, veer off 17 to turn toward Topsail Island. As soon as you enter the town of Surf City, take a right and follow the road until it takes you right up on the pier. Tides: Low tide Size: Chest high-overhead Wind: West Swell: S, SE Bottom: Sand Paddling: Normally not bad but south swells can sometimes have some current to contend with. Spot Rating: Decent waves on both sides of the pier depending on the swell and sand. Access: Big parking lot at the pier. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Pretty mellow. Local Vibe: Pretty mellow. Environment: Normally OK but with enough rain or a hurricane it can get pretty bad. Hazards: Summertime traffic. Season: Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity from late fall through winter into spring.