Nags Head 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.
Nags Head Pier Surf Guide
The sandbars around Nags Head Pier have been reasonably reliable over recent years, but of varying quality and location. The north side of the pier has seen the most action lately, but between the south side and Curlew Street occasionally shines when the sand is right. Given the focus of the best sand typically isn't right up against the pier (which technically you need to be 300 feet from anyway), it is possible to score a fun, lightly attended session here from time to time.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All welcomed, especially when the sand is decent.
Local Vibe
Doable
Way more relaxed than it was but still can get a little heavy depending on who is out and the state of the sandbar.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Not bad recently but if the sand gets right it can get pretty tight.
Spot Rating
Fun
The sand comes and goes but when the north side is working that's where you'll want to be.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Normally not bad but the right south swell will make it tough to stay next to the pier.
Water Quality
Fair
Fish guts, stormwater outflows after rains and maybe the occasional leaking septic.
Hazards
Surfing too close to the pier. Don't try parking in the pier lot either.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard, SUP, Skimming, Bodyboard, Bodysurfing, Kiteboard
Access
Don't park in the pier parking lot but at the nearby accesses.
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 Nags Head Pier?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]