Carolina Beach Surfing Guide

Carolina Beach is a well-known surfing destination on the East Coast. Set on a peninsula south of Wilmington between the Cape Fear River and the vast Atlantic Ocean, it’s a destination for beach lovers of all kinds.

Whether you have been surfing for years, are perfecting your pop-up, or are a first-timer, a salty day on the waves is a must at Carolina Beach.

Make surfing one of your top vacation things to do in Carolina Beach.

Where to Go Surfing in Carolina Beach?

Carolina Beach tends to have calmer waters, and its waves are generally best suited to longboarders and beginners. New surfers should paddle out near lifeguard stands, which are along the beach during summer months. 

Surfing is one of the best family-friendly activities in Carolina Beach, so be sure to bring the kids along for a challenging and rewarding experience and a day on the beach.

More advanced surfers will appreciate the right-hand swells that form with the wide sandbars on the bottom of the ocean. Though surf conditions are storm dependent, the best conditions for experienced surfers are late summer and fall.

Surfers can also check out nearby Kure Beach, where most seem to catch waves near the pier and beach accesses. A less populated beach than some, Kure Beach’s waves are often sparsely populated, giving surfers of all skill levels ample opportunity.

Equally important is when to go surfing. Though the waves in this area are generally small, a weather event like a hurricane can bring swells best for experienced surfers. In fall and winter especially, conditions can be unpredictable. Beginners will have the best luck, and stay safest,  in the summer months when waves are gentler.

Surf Lessons

Surf School Inc.

Visit the local shop Tony Silvagni Surf School for all your wave-riding needs. Owner Tony is a professional surfer who has competed internationally for nearly 30 years. He first opened the shop in 2008.

In 1993, Tony moved to Kure Beach, North Carolina. He has enjoyed surfing the waves all around the world. Most recently, Silvagni competed in professional longboard events in Australia, Papua New Guinea, China, Taiwan, Japan, California, and Hawaii. 

His desire to start teaching others to enjoy surfing came naturally as a result of his professional surfing career and intense love for the activity. Since 2003, Tony has been teaching others surf techniques and water safety as a professional surf instructor with 16 years of experience. He is also qualified in CPR and AED use.

When Tony briefly resided in Hawaii, he gave surf lessons to Secret Service personnel working for President Obama. Most recently, Tony was honored as a hometown hero and champion surfer by being inducted into the Wrightsville Beach Hall of Fame. 

Tony has consistently made an effort to set a good example for the people around him. His contagious enthusiasm and upbeat demeanor make him a superb surfer sports advocate.

Rentals

Big and buoyant is the name of the game for beginners cruising soft summer waves. Rent a longboard or paddleboard to ride the waves standing up. 

If the balance is a challenge, opt for a kayak or body board, which you ride on your stomach. Depending on the air and ocean temperatures, you may need to rent a wetsuit to keep warm. 

Lessons

If you’ve never surfed before, consider taking surfing lessons in Carolina Beach before you brave the waves on your own. A surf instructor will teach you how and when to paddle, the perfect way to “pop up” (stand up on your board), and foot placement on your board. You’ll practice first on land before taking your newfound skill to the Atlantic. 

Surf Camp 

The school also runs intensive, week-long surf camps from March to September. Students receive 10 hours of instruction over five days, and surfboard and wetsuit are included.

All classes have an instructor-student ratio of 2:1, so you’ll be sure to get some one-on-one coaching throughout the camp. Participants will also receive a water bottle, tote bag, stickers, and a certificate of achievement. For anyone looking to start surfing or develop surfing skills, this camp is for you. 

Other Beach Rentals

If you prefer turf over surf, hop on a beach cruiser and explore the town. If you’re feeling adventurous, a fat-tire bike will help you explore off-road trails and beach routes in the area. Bike rentals. 

Or, take advantage of the “MVP Special,” an all-day rental package that includes two beach chairs, an umbrella, and a drink tray — the perfect way for a couple or family to relax on the beach.

All these and more can also be rented individually. Planning a birthday or work party? Let Tony Silvagni Surf School help! The Charlotte Avenue school offers private kayak tours and surf and paddleboard “parties” for groups of up to 20 people.

Surfing Events and Competitions

When the conditions are promising, regional surf competitions like those hosted by the Eastern Surfing Association are held in the Carolina Beach area, drawing crowds from up and down the coast. This year’s events are scheduled in Melbourne Beach, FL, and Nagshead, NC, in April, Ocean City in May, and Nags Head in September.

Every year in the spring, the Carolina Beach Longboard Club puts on a surf contest with a “guppies” division for kids, amateur, and professional divisions. The goal of the competition is to highlight some of the local talent. A cash prize is awarded in the professional division. 

Where To Stay

Surfer or not, Carolina Beach has a beach town allure that draws people from all walks of life and all over the world. Our Carolina Beach rentals offer the comfort and amenities you need for your east coast vacation. Steps from the ocean, we offer rentals for couples, families, and groups of friends on Carolina Beach.

Try one of our best beachfront condos in Carolina Beach just miles from Wilmington, with units with private decks and paths to the beach. We also have Kure Beach rentals that still keep you close to all the fun to do in the area.