Surf: Topsail Island encompasses Topsail Beach, Surf City and Del Mar Beach to the north. This long stretch of shifting beachbreaks is always changing, so flexibility and lots of surf checks are required. Somewhere is always working at a particular tide, subject to swell direction. Adjacent to the piers is usually best, so check the Topsail Beach Pier (S), The One Eyed Pier (central) and Atlantic Pier (N). Environment: Laid-back place that will only get crowded in the peak holiday season. Average consistency, but nice and clean on this residential island.