Jennettes Pier
Jennette's Pier stands as the Outer Banks' surfing landmark—a modern concrete pier in Nags Head that creates reliable sandbars and serves as the region's forecasting hub with live webcams tracking every swell. The pier's position catches most Atlantic energy, from hurricane swells that create overhead barrels to winter cold front waves that keep the locals in the water year-round. The adjacent Jennette's facilities have become a gathering point for OBX surf culture, connecting visiting surfers with local knowledge and conditions updates.
Jennettes Pier surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Direction range
- 60° - 110°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 240° - 310°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
Water temp
19°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
6/10
Access: Public pier with surf webcam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Jennettes Pier?
Jennettes Pier is a beach break in Nags Head, USA, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Jennettes Pier?
Jennettes Pier picks up swell from the ENE round to the ESE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the E. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.7 to 2.4m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Jennettes Pier?
A W wind is dead offshore at Jennettes Pier, and anything from the WSW round to the NW keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Jennettes Pier?
Jennettes Pier is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.3m to 1.2m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Jennettes Pier?
The most reliable run of swell at Jennettes Pier comes Sep to Mar. There's a second window in Aug too. Best during hurricane season and winter storms.
How cold is the water at Jennettes Pier?
The water at Jennettes Pier averages around 19°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Jennettes Pier good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. Rip currents near pier pilings.
How do I get to Jennettes Pier?
The nearest airport on our list is ORF, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Public pier with surf webcam.
What other surf spots are near Jennettes Pier?
The closest breaks we track are S-Turns (37 km), handy when Jennettes Pier isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Aug
Best during hurricane season and winter storms.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
S-Turns
🛣️ Highway 12 curves • Remote OBX power • Hurricane season glory
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
🦓 The lighthouse • Prime swell window • East Coast's best position
Croatan Beach
🏠 VB local's choice • Less crowded • Better sandbars
Virginia Beach First Street
🏅 ECSC since 1963 • Longest-running contest • Mid-Atlantic hub