About Corolla

Corolla is perhaps the most unsung of OBX beaches, and understandably so. Aside from the odd summer swell that misses Nags Head, the beaches here offer few surfing benefits that cannot be found elsewhere on the OBX. There are no specific or consistent breaks to monitor, and it's basically one big shifting sandbar. Sure, you may find a good wave, but it tends to be mushier and farther off the beach, and there will probably be something just as good or better in Dare County.

Source: Corolla Surf Guide

Ability Level

Beginner - intermediate

Beg Int Adv

Any and all levels

Local Vibe

Welcoming

Welcoming Intimidating

Uh, locals?

Crowd Factor

Mellow

Mellow Heavy

Crowded if the McMansions are filled with surfers; otherwise, not bad.

Spot Rating

Poor

Poor Perfect

If you are there on vacation that's cool but not worth fighting traffic to get up there. Plus, there isn't really parking.

Shoulder Burn

Light

Light Exhausting

Normally not bad but the right south swell will make it tough to stay next on the peak.

Water Quality

Clean

Clean Dirty

Not bad.

Additional Information

Hazards

Sunburn, nematocysts and tourist-mouth.

Access

Severely limited access unless you've rented a house.

Bring Your

Shortboard, fish, funboard, longboard, sup, skimming, bodyboard, bodysurfing, kiteboard

Seabed

Sand

Best Season

Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity and nor'easters in the late fall and winter.

Swell Consistency and Wind Overview

Photos & Videos