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 tide is best at Jennettes Pier?
The Jennettes Pier profile favors low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Jennettes Pier?
The Jennettes Pier profile uses wind from W (270°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 240° to 310°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Jennettes Pier?
The Jennettes Pier scoring profile favors swell from E (60° to 110°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 3m, and a reference period of 12s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Jennettes Pier?
The main season at Jennettes Pier is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Aug. Best during hurricane season and winter storms.
How do I get to Jennettes Pier?
The spot profile lists ORF as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 90 minutes. Public pier with surf webcam.
What kind of wave is Jennettes Pier?
Jennettes Pier is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Aug
Best during hurricane season and winter storms.
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