However, the state recognizes that local governments have an interest in certain activities that occur in state waters which are adjacent to their jurisdiction. Most coastal municipalities have adopted surfing regulations. At Atlantic Beach, surfers have to stay 200 feet away from the fishing piers and can t surf in heavily populated areas. In Nags Head and Kitty Hawk, surfing is prohibited within 300 yard of a fishing pier. Wrightsville Beach requires surfers to stay 500 feet away from commercial fishing piers and from the jetty at Masonboro Inlet.
Most townships also require surfers to have leashes on their boards.
If you have a leash on your board, your board won t get away from you when you fall off and possibly hit someone, says Julie Hume. Except for the regulations around fishing piers, most surfers have free access to North Carolina s waters. Dare County does not have any rules banning surfing at certain times, says Julie Hume. Some places on the East Coast don t allow surfing at certain times of day and only in designated areas. We are fortunate we can surf at any time of day or any place on the Outer Banks.