From Scotch Bonnet to Surf City: The Evolution of Topsail Island’s Surf Scene

By George Howard

Long before Surf City Pier became the epicenter of surfing on Topsail Island, the go-to spots for wave seekers in the 60s through the 90s were further north. Back then, if you were a mainlander growing up in a place like Richlands, chances are your first taste of the ocean was at the iconic Scotch Bonnet Pier in North Topsail Beach. That’s where I caught my very first wave—on an air mat—back in the 60s.

In those days, the surf scene revolved around Scotch Bonnet and Paradise Pier. These weren’t just surf spots—they were full-blown hangouts. Scotch Bonnet had an arcade that buzzed with energy, packed with kids killing time between sessions, salty and sunburned from hours in the water. Paradise was another local favorite, until a fire—rumored to have started from a cigarette—reduced it to ashes. After that, many of the Paradise regulars migrated to Scotch Bonnet, keeping the surf culture alive and well in North Topsail.

Then came the summer of 1996. On July 12, Hurricane Bertha made landfall. While the damage wasn’t catastrophic, it rattled Topsail Island and was just the beginning. Two months later, on September 5, Hurricane Fran tore through as a Category 3 monster, devastating the entire coastline. Scotch Bonnet, Barnacle Bills, Surf City Pier, and Jolly Roger all took major hits. Only Surf City Pier and Jolly Roger would eventually rebuild.

With the Scotch Bonnet lost and Paradise long gone, the island’s surf scene found a new home. The consistent rebuild and resilience of Surf City Pier, along with its central location, gradually made it the heart of surfing on Topsail Island.

Today, Surf City Pier stands as the prime surf spot around—drawing locals and visitors alike with its reliable breaks, vibrant surf culture, and deep roots in the island’s wave-riding history.