Good morning surfers and beach lovers! It's Friday, May first, and we've got your surf zone forecast for the Carolina coast.

Let's start down in Georgetown where conditions are looking pretty mellow. You're looking at one to three foot waves with low rip current risk throughout the day. It'll be mostly cloudy with a chance of rain, and that northeast wind around ten to fifteen miles per hour should keep things manageable. Water temps are in the upper sixties, so you might want to consider a light wetsuit if you're planning an early morning session.

Moving up the coast to Horry County and the Myrtle Beach area, similar story. One to two foot surf with low rip current risk both north and south of town. Again, mostly cloudy with that chance of rain and northeast winds around ten miles per hour. High temps in the upper sixties and water temps to match.

Now here's where things get a little more interesting. Head up to Brunswick County and you've got the same one to two foot waves and low rip current risk, but notably there's a moderate east to west longshore current working through Ocean Isle Beach. Still manageable conditions, but worth keeping an eye on if you're paddling out in that area.

The New Hanover beaches are showing moderate rip current risk Friday, so that's your yellow flag area. We're talking about Wrightsville, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Fort Fisher. One to three foot waves with low waterspout risk and high UV, so definitely get that sunscreen on. Northeast winds ten to fifteen miles per hour with a moderate north to south longshore current throughout the day.

Up in Pender County around Surf City and Topsail Beach, you've got low rip current risk, one to three foot waves, and mostly cloudy skies with that chance of rain. Winds are slightly lighter at around ten miles per hour northeast, and there's a moderate north to south longshore current to be aware of.

Now let's talk Saturday because the pattern shifts a bit. Rain moves in across the entire region with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Rip current risk bumps up to moderate across New Hanover, while it stays low elsewhere. Surf stays pretty consistent at one to three feet. North winds pick up slightly to ten to fifteen miles per hour. Temperatures cool down to the lower to mid sixties, and water temps will feel a bit chillier too.

Looking ahead to Sunday through Tuesday, we're in for a nice stretch. The rain clears out, skies turn sunny, and rip current risk drops back to low across the board. Winds lighten up significantly with south winds around five to ten miles per hour. Temperatures gradually warm from the mid sixties Sunday through the lower seventies by Tuesday. Surf stays small, one to three feet depending on location, which is perfect for getting those practice sessions in or taking beginners out.

So if you're looking to get in the water today, head out early before that rain chance increases. New Hanover folks, keep an eye on those rip currents. And if you can

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.