Tony Silvagni Surf School in Carolina Beach — Online Webcam
Tony Silvagni Surf School — the heart of the coast on Hamlet Avenue
On a quiet stretch of the North Carolina coast, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the sand dunes, operates a surf school that has become a true local landmark. Tony Silvagni Surf School is located on Hamlet Avenue in Carolina Beach, right below the Hang Ten Grill restaurant. This spot has long attracted beginner surfers, experienced riders, and beach lovers alike who come to watch the ocean and soak up the rhythm of coastal life.
The online camera, mounted on an elevated wooden deck, shows everything happening on this stretch of beach in real time. From this vantage point, you can see waves rolling ashore, school instructors working with students in the water, and vacationers relaxing on lounge chairs among the sand dunes.
Tony Silvagni: from US champion to coastal mentor
The school's story is inseparable from its founder. Tony Silvagni moved to Carolina Beach with his family in 1993 from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and this coastline has been his home ever since. A professional surfer with years of competitive experience, he decided to pass on his skills to the next generation of riders.
Tony is more than just an instructor with a board. He is the 2016 US longboard champion and ranked ninth in the world among professional longboard surfers. His competitive career includes qualifying for 10 consecutive world surfing tours, as well as gold as part of the US national surfing team and a second-place finish in the ASP North America rankings in 2008. This kind of background makes learning at his school truly professional.
Tony's education also played a role in building the school — he graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in business, which helped him build the school as a sustainable enterprise. Today, the school operates year-round and welcomes students of all skill levels.
Carolina Beach: ideal waves for learning to surf
The Carolina Beach coastline is known for conditions that are especially well-suited for those just starting their surfing journey. The waves here are typically small, calm — glassy — and playful, making this spot ideal for learning. Unlike wild and unpredictable reef breaks, Carolina's beach waves allow beginners to gradually master paddling technique, popping up, and reading the ocean.
Carolina Beach has long been a destination for surf camps for kids and adults, combining instruction with a full beach vacation experience. Tony Silvagni's school fits right into this tradition, offering programs of varying intensity — from one-time lessons to multi-day courses.
Hamlet Avenue: convenient access to the best beach
The school's location on Hamlet Avenue was no accident. This street is popular among visitors thanks to convenient parking and easy access to downtown and the boardwalk. Just nearby is the Carolina Beach Boardwalk with attractions, shops, and restaurants — so after surfing, there's plenty of places to stroll and grab a bite.
From Hamlet Avenue, there are ocean views, and the beach is within walking distance of many hotels on this street. Parking on Hamlet Avenue is in effect from March 1 through October 31, ensuring convenient access to the school and beach during peak season.
A school that's appreciated: recognition and awards
Tony Silvagni's work has earned recognition not only among students but also in the business community. The surf school was awarded "Entrepreneur of the Year 2026" by the Carolina Beach Chamber of Commerce. This recognition acknowledges that the school has become an important part of the local economy and culture, attracting tourists and creating jobs on the coast.
Tony also launched a live webcam on Hamlet Avenue so people can check surf conditions daily. This is convenient for local surfers planning their sessions and for tourists who want to preview beach conditions in advance.
What you can see on the camera
The webcam is mounted on an elevated wooden platform and shows a panoramic view of Carolina Beach. In the foreground is a wooden deck with railings leading down to the sand. Beyond that stretches a wide sandy expanse with dunes covered in beach grass. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are set up on the beach, with vacationers strolling between them.
In the water, surfers on boards are visible — some paddling into incoming waves, others sitting on longboards waiting for their set. The sea has small waves, the horizon is clearly visible — a classic picture of a North Carolina beach break. The camera operates in real time, so every viewer can assess current conditions: wave size, beach crowd levels, and coastal weather.
