surf near piers

Question
Hi, I was wondering why surfing hot spots are usually next to a long fishing pier? Usually on the left side and sometimes on the right? During construction of the pier
is the ocean floor groomed in such a way that waves form
better there? I live in coastal NC and that is where I
have noticed surfers flock to, at several piers.

Answer
Hey Mike,

It's not that they groom the ocean floors but sometimes there are piling supports that are larger than the poles supporting the piers that act like a reef or rock ridge on the ocean floor. Also, the supporting poles along with the base supports create a sort of blockage to the incoming tidal currents, which creates waves. Depending upon the flow of the tide, this can create waves on either side or both sides. Tidal currents are dependent upon many forces and can come from various directions. This is why sometimes you have waves on one side and not the other. Watch the way the break is happening and this will give you some idea of the direction of the currents.

Hope this helps.
Windlover