S-Turns is named for the serpentine curves in Highway 12 near Rodanthe—and for the winding tubes that form along this stretch when hurricane swells unload on the Outer Banks. This is one of the most consistent sections of the OBX, positioned to catch swells from multiple directions and offering empty peaks spread across miles of beach. The remote location means fewer crowds than the northern beaches, but also means commitment to the drive. When conditions align, S-Turns delivers some of the best waves on the East Coast, with powerful barrels and workable walls that reward the dedicated.
Water temp
19°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
3/10
👥 Spring Break (Mar 14 – Mar 22) — expect extra crowds
Access: Named for curves in Highway 12.
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Aug
Hurricane swells can get epic here.
📹 OBX landmark • Live webcam central • Consistent sandbars
🦓 The lighthouse • Prime swell window • East Coast's best position
🏗️ East Coast's best • Lighthouse icon • Swell magnet
🏠 VB local's choice • Less crowded • Better sandbars
🏅 ECSC since 1963 • Longest-running contest • Mid-Atlantic hub