S-Turns Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
S, SE, NE
Wind
Southwest or West
Surf Height
Head high-overhead+
Tide
All tides depending on the sand.
S-Turns Surf Guide
Named for what was the final, winding stretch of Highway 12 as you trekked south from Pea Island into Rodanthe, S-Turns was the epicenter of Outer Banks surfing for years. Historically, S-Turns was consistent -- south windswells, tropical swells, nor'easters and everything else -- you could depend on it being good. That changed right around the time Serendipity (aka the Nights of Rodanthe house) was moved in January 2010. Whether the house helped anchor sand or subsequent washouts of the road changed the break forever, time will tell. One thing is for sure, and that is access will never be as easy as it was. With the opening of the Jug Handle bridge in the summer of 2022 which bypasses Mirlo Beach, the days of pulling off Highway 12 right at the break and hoping not to get stuck are gone.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Depends on the size of the surf and condition of the sandbar -- it is a tough wave when it is big and good.
Local Vibe
Intimidating
Not even close to what it used to be but a few transplants from Virginia will still give you the stink eye.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Not as bad as it once was but can get jammed up if the sand is right.
Spot Rating
Fun
A fraction of its former self since "Serendipity" was moved down the street but on the right day...
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Can be mellow but forget about fighting the current on a big south swell.
Water Quality
Clean
Actually not that bad unless after a storm.
Hazards
Marine life and pieces of houses.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish
Access
The Jug Handle bridge now bypasses the area so parking is very limited.
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 S-Turns?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]