Croatan Jetty Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SE, NE
Wind
Southwest to west; can handle NW better than other nearby breaks
Surf Height
Chest high-overhead
Tide
Low to mid tide
Croatan Jetty Surf Guide
Just across the inlet from 1st Street is one of V.B.'s nicest neighborhoods and most frustrating waves. Croatan is a predominant left breaking off a wooden groin linked to a rock jetty. It's infamous for disappearing lips. Somewhere during a bottom turn on what appears to be a well-formed wedge, the top of the wave mysteriously vanishes, leaving one stranded atop the ghost of a wave.Croatan does have its moments, specifically at high tide during a nor'easter. The jetty to the north offers some shelter from the wind, while bending the lefts into an occasionally punchy shorebreak. When it does get good, or on any sunny day, crowds flock. While its sister 1st Street is normally a predictable, rolling wave, Croatan's shifting peaks make it an enigma. Therefore, an inexperienced crowd can be even more dangerous. It's not uncommon to be sitting on top of several surfers, waiting for that elusive wedge.
Ability Level
Beginner - Intermediate
Any and all surfers, especially when it is small.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Not too bad.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Can get ridiculously crowded for the quality of wave.
Spot Rating
Poor
A fairly consistent spot that likes the lower tides.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Normally not bad but hurricane swells and bigger southeast swells can make it a bit of work.
Water Quality
Clean
OK for VB.
Hazards
Crowds -- make sure you don't drift too far south, they do target practice down in Pendleton.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard, SUP, Skimming, Bodyboard, Bodysurfing, Kiteboard
Access
Large parking lot at the south end of Vanderbilt Avenue.
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 Croatan Jetty?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]