Black Pelican Surf Forecast, North Carolina
North Carolina
Current Conditions
PoorWave Height
1-2ft
ankle to knee high
Swell Period
5.65s
Wind
13mph
SSW / Gusts 22mph
Conditions
Poor
Active Swells
Primary
1.0ft @ 9sE
Secondary
0.2ft @ 14sE
Wind Swell
2.8ft @ 6sSSE
Nearest Webcam
Daily Forecast
3 of 5 daysTue, Mar 311-2ft
Poor6am9am12pm3pm
Wed, Apr 11-2ft
PoorSlim pickings today — 1-2ft and poor with 11mph SSW winds.
6am9am12pm3pm
6s SE|11-15mph SSW
Thu, Apr 22-3ft
PoorA slow one — 1-2ft waves and poor conditions with gentle SW breeze.
6am9am12pm3pm
7s SE|5-8mph S
3ft
Swell building Sat, Apr 4Fair
9s period — conditions are improving beyond your forecast
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Black Pelican Surf Spot Guide
Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Beginner
Crowd
Light
Best Swell
E
Best Wind
W
Season
Fall
Black Pelican is a sandy beach break located along North Carolina's Outer Banks, offering mellow, forgiving waves ideal for learning and progression. The spot faces southwest and picks up consistent Atlantic swell, particularly during autumn when storms generate quality waist-to-shoulder-high peaks. With its sandy bottom and sheltered positioning, this laid-back break provides a perfect escape from crowded beach breaks with plenty of room to spread out.
ShorebreakSandbars shift seasonally
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
Black Pelican Surf Forecast FAQ
What is the current surf forecast for Black Pelican?
The current wave height at Black Pelican is 1-2ft with a 5.65s swell period. Wind is SSW at 13mph. Conditions are rated Poor.
How accurate is the Black Pelican surf forecast?
Our Black Pelican forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends.
What is the breaking wave height at Black Pelican?
The current breaking wave height at Black Pelican is 1-2ft, produced by a 1ft E primary swell at 9s, a 0.2ft E secondary swell at 14s, a 2.8ft SSE wind swell swell at 6s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.
When is the best time to surf Black Pelican?
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Black Pelican is Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM with 3ft waves, a 8.55s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.