Oak Island

📍 Local Knowledge

Oak Island is a long stretch of beach-break on North Carolina’s southern coast that offers rideable waves shaped by shifting sandbars and jetties. It performs best in late summer through fall, particularly September to November, when southeast and northeast groundswells from tropical systems or nor’easters combine with offshore winds from the west to northwest. The break produces both lefts and rights, with the best shape usually around low to mid tide. Surf here can range from mellow summer peaks to heavier fall surf depending on swell direction and size. Crowds are usually lighter compared to more well-known spots, though fishermen and beachgoers can share the shoreline. Rip currents and longshore drift are common hazards during larger swells.