Black Pelican Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SE, NE
Wind
Southwest
Surf Height
Head high-double overhead
Tide
Low to mid tide
Black Pelican Surf Guide
The expansive area stretching north and south from Kitty Hawk Road spreads surfers out across the beach, and there is usually no definitive lineup but a series of peek-a-boo bowls that plow shoreward regardless of where the pack sits, so it's possible to stroke into a good wave, snake-free. This is also a zone that holds some of the biggest surf that the Northern Outer Banks can get -- bombing nor'easter swells and drifty tropical swells tend to hold shape better here than other areas. There is a bunch of history in this area. The Kitty Hawk Life Saving Station was established in 1874 and is now a part of the Black Pelican Restaurant. That's the reason this zone was historically referred to as "Old Station". More recently its been called "Laundromats" but most of the local crew now refers to the zone as the "Black Pelican" thanks to the restaurant that sits beside the Kitty Hawk Bath House.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Beginners welcome when small but intermediate to advance when it's large and in charge.
Local Vibe
Doable
Fine if you don't mind being surrounded by SUPs.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Big parking lot = lots of people in the water when the sandbar is working.
Spot Rating
Fun
Historically a spot that could handle whatever size nor'easters and hurricanes throw at it.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Normally not bad but the right south swell will make it tough to stay next on the peak.
Water Quality
Fair
Not bad unless after a heavy rain. Septic leakage of the past less of an issue these days.
Hazards
Nothing stands out -- fairly standard.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Fish, Longboard, SUP, Skimming, Bodyboard, Bodysurfing, Kiteboard
Access
Park at the Bath House south of the Black Pelican (3840 N Virginia Dare Trail). Park on the side of the beach road and you will undoubtedly get ticketed and/or towed.
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 Black Pelican?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]