Surfing the Outer Banks with Fallen Houses: ‘It’s a Mess’
Coastal erosion continues to devastate North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where 31 homes have collapsed into the ocean since 2020, according to the National Park Service. Despite the destruction, the region remains one of the East Coast’s top surf zones.
Local surfer Brett Barley recently paddled out on Hatteras Island after more homes fell into the sea. While the waves were firing — classic sand-bottom peaks with clean barrels — the lineup was filled with dangerous debris from destroyed houses.
Barley said he carefully checked the area at dawn and initially saw no hazards. But during the session, a large wooden piling drifted into the lineup, creating serious risk for surfers. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the debris eventually floated away.
He admitted it “wasn’t the smartest call” to surf that day but said it was the best spot available and doesn’t regret going out. Much of the area has been off-limits due to ongoing erosion and storm damage.
With winter storms still ahead, locals remain concerned about what’s next for the Outer Banks, hoping conditions improve after summer.