Surf City Pier surf guide

Surf City Pier is located on the north side of Topsail Island, part of the Onslow County beaches. It's known mostly as a vacation spot for folks from Camp Lejeune and nearby areas. While it might not be a major surfing destination, it does offer some options for those looking to catch a wave. The ambience is pretty laid-back, making it a decent place for a relaxed surf session.

The surf here tends to be average, with south swells that can produce waves ranging from chest high to overhead (about 1 to 2 meters). Best time to hit the water is around low tide, as that's when conditions can be a bit friendlier. You'll find the waves breaking over sand, and there are both right and left breaks available. While it can handle swells coming from various directions like east to southeast, it's best suited when the wind is from the west or northwest. Depending on the sand and swell, you might find decent waves on either side of the pier, especially for beginners and intermediates. Keep in mind, though, that the surf can get a bit trickier in the summer when you'll have to deal with some current if the south swells are strong enough.

Access to the pier is easy with a large parking lot available. The crowd factor is usually pretty mellow, so you can usually find some space to ride the waves without feeling overwhelmed. Just be cautious with the summertime traffic that can get a bit hectic. Surf sessions are mostly storm-dependent, with the best conditions often showing up during late summer and fall, especially after tropical systems. Just remember to bring the right board for the conditions; shortboards, funboards, and longboards can all work well here depending on the waves.