I need a surf fishing rod for the Outer Banks, NC

I broke my damn rod today and I leave for the beach in 4 days. It is a split rod and the two parts were stuck together.
Heat gun + pliers = broken rod.

I am headed out to Gander Mountain or Dicks Sporting Goods to pick up a new one. What are some things to look for?

I need a split rod.
I need it flexible enough to cast the shit out of it past the surf.
Its for light surf fishing...not marlins or great whites.
I have a reel.

 

I use a 13ft ugly stick and it works great. They arent that much compared to other ones and very tough. Tsunami robs are good too. Look in the discount bucket.

 

+1 on Ugly Stiks they have some good play in them

 

What size is recommended? You say 13' but isn't that a bit long?

I'm not an experienced surf fisherman. I used a 6.5' inland rod until today. I do have trouble casting out past the surf...maybe a longer rod would help