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.
S-Turns surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 2m - 2.8m
- 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
Access: Named for curves in Highway 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is S-Turns?
S-Turns is a beach break in Rodanthe, USA, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at S-Turns?
S-Turns picks up swell from the ENE round to the SSE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the E. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2 to 2.8m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 9s 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 S-Turns?
A W wind is dead offshore at S-Turns, 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 S-Turns?
S-Turns is at its best around low tide, roughly 0.3m to 1m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf S-Turns?
The most reliable run of swell at S-Turns comes Sep to Mar. There's a second window in Aug too. Hurricane swells can get epic here.
How cold is the water at S-Turns?
The water at S-Turns 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 S-Turns good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Remote stretch. Strong currents.
How do I get to S-Turns?
The nearest airport on our list is ORF, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Named for curves in Highway 12.
What other surf spots are near S-Turns?
The closest breaks we track are Jennettes Pier (37 km) and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (39 km), handy when S-Turns isn't working.
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