Avalon Pier Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SE, NE
Wind
Southwest
Surf Height
Head high-overhead+
Tide
All tides depending on the sand.
Avalon Pier Surf Guide
There was a time that the north side was one of the best and most consistent waves in "town." Outside of periodic glimmers on both sides of the pier, that hasn't been the case in more than a decade. There is always hope that the next storm moves the replenished beach around and deposits sand in the right places, so it is always worth a check. If you do surf, watch out for the pilings off the end of the pier left by Hurricane Dorian back in 2019.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Any and all if you can handle the heckling.
Local Vibe
Doable
Can be heavy but tell 'em you know Barry and you'll be fine.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Probably the most crowded spot on the Northern Outer Banks when it is working but it hasn't in a while.
Spot Rating
Fun
The fabled north side of the pier has fallen off in recent times but the south side is still fairly consistent.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Normally not bad but the right south swell will make it tough to stay next to the pier.
Water Quality
Fair
Pier trash and leaky septics.
Hazards
Heckling from the parking lot or the Stonefish Bar.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
Sometimes the pier owners flex their authoritative muscle over the pier lot. Don't park in the Avalon homeowners lot (dirt one to the south) or they'll tow, especially in the summer.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity and nor'easters in the late fall and winter.
Do you have local knowledge about Avalon Pier?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]