Overview
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a jetty-and-beachbreak setup built around three groins, and when the sand and swell line up it is the best wave on the Outer Banks, especially if you ride goofy-foot. The southernmost groin is the First and the northernmost is the Third, with a run of peaks in between. The bottom is a mix of sand, rock, and pieces of the old groins.
When It Works
The break draws swell from north-northeast through east-southeast to south (NNE-ESE-S), and each direction lights up a different part of the setup. When northeast swells march down the coast, the First turns on with consistently heavy, barreling lefts, the main event here. A solid south or southeast swell sends the Third into heavy, sweeping rights, while the peaks between the groins offer shorter-lived thrills. It works from 1.8 m / 6 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, roughly head high to double overhead. This is a storm-dependent autumn spot, firing on tropical cyclones through late summer and fall and on frontal activity and nor'easters into late fall and winter.
Wind and Tide
Look for west-northwest (WNW) offshore wind, with a workable window running from west to north-northwest (W-NNW). The break comes in on low to mid tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
Bring a shortboard. There is something here across the range, from beginner through intermediate to expert, but the peak can be very hard to stay on during bigger northeast swells. Watch for submerged pieces of the old jetties. Expect a busy lineup when it is working. A tight group lives and surfs here, so a little humility and respect goes a long way.
Access
The historic lighthouse location has several parking lots, though they fill up when the surf is on.
