Shortboard
Best for
Beginner to Advanced
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
0.6–1.5 m
Swell Height

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Expect an exposed, sandbar-based surf spot that can offer short, quick rides before closing out on shallow sandbars. Wave quality is described as poor and the break is highly conditional: it typically needs specific swell angles/directions, a mid tide, and lighter offshore winds from the West or Northwest. Onshore East winds are noted to create messy conditions. Safety is a primary concern at this spot. Reported hazards include submerged pilings and rocks at high tide, shifting sandbars, and rip-current risk; spot notes also highlight dirty water and dangerous submerged-structure scenarios. Seasonal jellyfish and shore break are also cited. Rescue coverage is limited and lifeguards are seasonal, so plan for conditions to deteriorate quickly and take appropriate precautions.

  • Storm-dependent sandbar break with inconsistent access to rideable surf.
  • Best shape requires a specific approach of swell direction and a mid tide.
  • Submerged hazards and poor water conditions are emphasized in spot-specific safety notes.
Great for
Surfing shortboard
What's great
  • Can produce surf when swell and tide line up on the sandbar.
  • Best with specific offshore wind and swell directions, which can make it rewarding when conditions match.
Heads up
  • Works very infrequently and is storm-dependent.
  • Reported poor/dirty water conditions and significant submerged hazards.
  • Closeout/quick rides on shallow sandbars; consistency is low.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, NW
Offshore directions
W, NW
Wind Type
Frontal — Frontal pattern indicated; broader region also sees frontal winds in fall/winter.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Marked as moderate gusts.
Best Months
September, October, November, December
Thermal Window
Afternoon · Regionally, thermal sea-breeze style winds are typically strongest from midday into the afternoon; spot-level thermal direction/strength not fully specified.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Tidal
Waves
Small — Wave size described as small.
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach area suitable for paddle out.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Launch difficulty described as easy with a wide sandy area for paddle out.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
10–29 °C
Water Temperature
7–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Mar–Nov: 3/2mm + HoodDec, Jan, Feb: 5/4mm + Boots, Hood
Crowds by Season

Highest crowds occur in summer months; spring and autumn are quieter but more frequented by surfers during swells.

Storm/Rain Season

Tropical cyclones in late summer and fall; hurricane season runs June through November.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

An exposed, fickle sandbar break that does not work very often and is storm-dependent. When it does line up, rides are typically short and can close out on shallow sandbars.

Sandbar
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
E, ESE, NE, SE
Swell Height
0.6–1.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Optimal tide indicated as mid.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed sandbar break with limited protection from wind/swell.
Wind Effect
Best with light offshore winds from the West or Northwest; onshore winds from the East create messy conditions.
Bigger Swell
Often closes out or becomes a heavy shorebreak when the swell exceeds about 2 meters.
Wave Quality
Poor — Wave quality described as poor.
Wave Power
Soft — Wave power described as soft.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Wave shape described as mixed.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peel speed described as medium.
Ride Length
Short — Ride length described as short; also noted as quick rides before closing out.
Typical Ride Length
30–50 m
Ride Length Details
Waves typically offer short, quick rides before closing out on the shallow sandbars.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Beauregard in the full forecast view.

Beauregard wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
6–20 ktsGusts 33 kts
Direction
NE42°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2520 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Waves
1.2–2.5 m7s period
Temperature
12–23 °C

Over the next 7 days, Beauregard is forecast for daytime winds of 6–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.2–2.5 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • submerged pilings
  • rocks at high tide
  • dirty water
  • dangerous water that could suck/pin people near submerged structures
  • rip currents
  • shifting sandbars
  • seasonal jellyfish
  • moderate shore break
Ability Level: Beginner to Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashHoodBootsWetsuitGloves

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence is indicated regionally.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Seasonal ocean rescue and lifeguard stands provided by Carolina Beach and Kure Beach Fire Departments.
Emergency Info
Nearest major medical facility is in Wilmington; emergency services are via 911. Rescue is limited.
Localism / Vibe
Heavy — Spot-level guidance indicates heavy localism and an unwelcoming attitude toward outsiders.

Rules of the spot

General surfing etiquette; local surfing culture is not welcoming to outsiders. Respect local beach regulations regarding leash use and any local rules.

Restrictions
  • Localism concerns: be especially respectful of local surfers and beach rules.
Local Tips
  • Do not come to this spot if you just rolled into town—you're not welcomed there.
  • Stay out if conditions look dangerous; this spot has hidden hazards and can be lethal.
  • Wait for a clean groundswell from the East-Southeast for the best shape.
  • Works most consistently during hurricane-season swell or winter cold fronts.
  • Best with light offshore winds from the West or Northwest; East winds make conditions messy.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Carolina Beach
Nearest Town
Carolina Beach
Nearest Airport
Wilmington International Airport (ILM)
Parking
Parking spots are few and far between in Carolina Beach; fees may apply during peak season. On-street parking and public beach access lots are available; four-wheel drive permits beach driving north.
Public Transport
Limited local bus service via Wave Transit; a car is highly recommended for transporting gear to various points on the island.
Access
Public beach access is available near the intersection of Beauregard Drive (spot-level note also mentions a public access point near the Shipwreck Gazebo). Parking is limited; four-wheel drive can permit driving north on the beach.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous vacation rentals and hotels are available in the Carolina Beach area; extensive options in the region.
Food & Drink
Local restaurants and cafes are within walking or short driving distance in central Carolina Beach.
Equipment Rental:
Surf shops in Carolina Beach offer board rentals and accessories; board and wetsuit rentals are available locally.
Gear Storage
Gear storage is limited to private accommodations or specific arrangements with local surf schools.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard and wetsuit repair available at local surf shops in Carolina Beach; board repairs also available in Wilmington.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The surrounding Carolina Beach area balances a relaxed beach-town vibe with historic and natural preserves, supported by strong day-trip access via Wilmington and a seasonal surge around surf-swell cycles.

Best time to visit: May through October for warm-weather activities, with September highlighted for water temperature and swell consistency.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk2 miles

A classic seaside boardwalk featuring amusement rides, shops, and restaurants.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site3 miles

The site of a major Civil War fort and museum.

Freeman Park4 miles

An area at the north end of the island popular for four-wheel-drive beach access and camping.

The Fat Pelican2 miles

A renowned local dive bar with a walk-in cooler.

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher4 miles

A large public aquarium featuring local marine life and conservation exhibits.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Beauregard?

The best overall months at Beauregard are December. The best wind months are September, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Beauregard?

Beauregard works with W, NW winds. Offshore directions are W, NW.

What skill level is Beauregard suitable for?

Beauregard suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.