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Holden Beach

33.9083, -78.3219

Overview

Quality
Normal
Crowd
Few surfers
Experience
Good for all levels
Bottom
Sand

About this Spot

Holden Beach is a surf spot located in North Carolina, USA Southeast. This beach break offers surfing opportunities for all levels of experience. The spot provides both left and right waves. Holden Beach has a sand bottom and can be surfed at all tides. The waves here are regular, with a length of less than 50m. The crowd is typically sparse, with few surfers in the water. Nearby surf spots include Ocean Isle, Sunset Beach, Bird Island, Cherry Grove Pier, and Bald Head Island Point. Check your skills before paddling out to make sure the spot and conditions fit your surfing level. When the spot is crowded, it’s important to respect the locals and follow proper surf etiquette. Holden Beach is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area and is situated on an 8-mile-long barrier island. The town is bounded by Shallotte Inlet to the west, Lockwoods Folly Inlet to the east, and the Intracoastal Waterway to the north. North Carolina Highway 130 connects Holden Beach to the mainland. The area has a rich history, with the Holden family playing a significant role in its development since the 18th century. During the Civil War, the area became the resting place for several shipwrecks, including Confederate blockade runners and a Union blockade ship. The remains of one such ship, the CSS Bendigo, can still be seen at low tide between Holden Beach and Oak Island. The town was incorporated on February 14, 1969, and has since grown into a popular coastal destination. When planning your surf trip, be sure to check the latest surf forecast and report for Holden Beach. Look for surf maps and webcams to get a real-time view of the conditions before heading out.

Optimal Conditions

Best Swell
NW, N, NE
Swell Direction
292.5°-67.5°
Best Tide
All tides are good
Best Size
Good from 1.2 meters
Wave Length
< 50m
Frequency
Regular (40 between and 150)

Location

Coordinates

33.908317° N, -78.321883° W

Open in Maps

Use these coordinates in your preferred mapping or forecast application

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