S-Turns
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.
Today's Conditions
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Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
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Return flights to ORF, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (100°)
- Direction range
- 70° - 150°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.7m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (280°)
- Offshore range
- 250° - 320°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1m
Water temp
19°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
3/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Named for curves in Highway 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at S-Turns?
S-Turns works best on a low tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at S-Turns?
Offshore wind at S-Turns blows from the W (280°). Anything in the 250° to 320° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at S-Turns?
S-Turns wants E swell (70° to 150°) between 0.8m and 3.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf S-Turns?
The main season at S-Turns is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Aug. Hurricane swells can get epic here.
How do I get to S-Turns?
Fly into ORF, then allow about 100 minutes by road. Named for curves in Highway 12.
What kind of wave is S-Turns?
S-Turns is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Aug
Hurricane swells can get epic here.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Jennettes Pier
📹 OBX landmark • Live webcam central • Consistent sandbars
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