A couple of friends and I are planning a trip to the Outer Banks next month and I was wondering if people had any input, here are a couple questions I had for those who've surfed the banks before this time of year... -we were looking at houses to rent around Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo, but those breaks wont accept the more southerly swells....would Buxton/Frisco be safer? -Basically, does march produce more south, east, or north swells? and were would we have the best chance of scoring? Thanks for the input!
When we do a Hatteras trip we usually stay in Buxton on the east facing shore (just about 1/2 mile north of the lighthouse). Typically the waves are bigger on the east facing beaches but not always the cleanest conditions. In March, you'll get a lot of North to northeast wind and resulting windswell. When the swell is up and the wind is still north - head south to Frisco and the wind will be offshore to side shore down there. Al;walys found Buxton to be a great central spot with Frisco just 10 minute away and the Waves/Salvo area about 20 minutes north although we rarely ever travel north for surf (usually just as good in Buxton). Another good thing is that in Buxton/Avon, there's a Food Lion and other stores to hit if needed. Always plan to travel a little to find better conditons.
all of the east facing beaches will get south swell, actually it has been my experience that the south swells are the best. only swell that generally doesn't make it that far is sw wind wrap, does on very rare occasion, but not to worry that is generally a summer-fall occurance. be prepared for some cold water, except it's not really that cold this year. if you see a couple/three people sitting on a peek, please move to the next spot.
Thanks guys! Looks like we'll probably get a place a little further south on the east-facing shore so that we can still pick up the north swells and travel will be easy enough for any swells we might miss. Cant wait to get down there sounds like the place is bomb.
