Overview
Laundromats is a sand-bottom beach break on the Outer Banks, a wide and popular stretch that older surfers still call Old Station. It sits just south of Milepost 2, where waves break between two clearings of cottages lost to northeasters of years past, and it's easy to check since you can size up the conditions straight from the beach road. The expansive beach spreads surfers out, so there's rarely a definitive lineup, just a series of peek-a-boo bowls that plow shoreward wherever the pack sits, which makes it possible to stroke into a good wave snake-free. Heavy erosion is part of the deal, and pieces of old road and houses can end up in the water.
When It Works
The break draws swell from south to north (S-N), with southeast (SE) the best direction, and it's usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft. It turns on with any swell of significant size and is moderately consistent, with autumn the prime season. On small days you'll find good, sucky peaks close to shore, while bigger swells stack up steep, crumbly waves on the outside bar that are easier to reach through the abundant channels and rips. Conditions are storm dependent: tropical cyclones through late summer and fall, then frontal activity and nor'easters into late fall and winter.
Wind and Tide
Look for west (W) offshore wind. The beach works through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call, and north swells tend to hold up a little better at high tide.
Local Tips
Expect a fairly quiet lineup with a somewhat reserved feel, helped by parking that's enough of a hassle to keep the numbers down. It's a beginner-friendly spot that suits just about any craft, from shortboards, fish, funboards, and longboards to SUPs, skimboards, bodyboards, bodysurfing, and even kiteboards. Paddling is normally manageable, though the right south swell can make it tough to stay next on the peak.
Access
There's a surf shop nearby. Park at the Bath House south of the Black Pelican or in the Lillian parking area; leave your car on the side of the road and you'll almost certainly get towed.
