About

When all else is crowded and the swell is rolling in this is the place to be.

Atmosphere:
On big days at "Boiler" you will discover a long paddle out 100 to 200 yds with a lot of diving to be done and a lot of in-current to fight. The lineup will sometimes put you out near the boiler stack sticking out of the water. Don't go too close because there's no telling how shallow the rest of that sunken steamer is. That ship, "Oriental" is supposedly 180 ft. long. If the wave is breaking out near the Boiler, you are looking at an 8 foot wave minimum even though it may look smaller. The water out there is typically 10 to 15 feet deep. So, for a wave to be breaking out there in that depth, you add it up. The remnant of the steamer you see is the "Oriental." The Oriental was a federal transport that sank in poor weather May 8, 1862.

Additional Info:
This break is typically a multiple bar break, can be up to 5 bars breaking at on time. Pick the on that looks the most consistent and go with it. Finding the spot that is breaking best is one thing, staying in that spot is another. Since it can be a lot of time in between sets the current can move you way out of position without you even knowing it. So, once you find the spot you like, find a mark on the beach or on the dunes to mark where you are and stay there.

Location

Access

About 5 miles after going over Oregon Inlet Bridge you will come upon the Pea Island Ranger Station. Parking lot on other side of NC 12 from ocean. Lot holds about 20 cars total.

Wave Characteristics

Ideal Conditions

Crowd

Dangers

None

Videos

None