Guide to The Best Surfing Spots on Folly Beach
Surfing is an ever growing sport, and with waves on Folly Beach being a limited resource, it can sometimes get tense in the line up. With so many different types of surfers and crafts in the water it can turn into a zoo during a good swell. We are firm believers in taking the road less travelled. We would gladly take slightly worse waves with fewer people than a mob scene with good waves. Here is a general guide to the best surfing spots on Folly Beach. This guide is to help you safely surf appropriate waves, while enjoying your time on the water. As a side note, if you do decide to surf the more crowded spots please be respectful and remember your etiquette.
The Washout
On a real swell, the Washout is typically just for shortboarders. The waves are more powerful and hollow here making it a bad spot for beginners. As a beginner, you don’t want to interfere with veteran surfers and definitely don’t want to hurt someone or to get hurt. It’s important, beginner or not, to know your limits. It is fun to watch everyone at the Washout, but the crowd can be a huge issue.
Hazards: crowds, rock groins, powerful hollow waves, currents
10E-3E
There are plenty of good sandbars in the area between 10E (for East) and 3E. Search around for a sandbar that looks fun and empty. There are a few hotspots that attract large groups of surfers, but for the most part you can avoid crowds by walking a few blocks down. This area usually provides for a fun ride that is longer and more mellow than the Washout.
Hazards: rock and cement groins, pockets of crowds
3E-3W
This general area around the pier can be great for longboards and alternative surf crafts. Typically the most experienced surfers hug the pier to get the longest rides, but there is still plenty of room east and west of the pier to get some long rides. Generally, the waves are best for long boarding, but can be a lot of fun on the right days for shortboarding. Be aware of currents and the pier structure. If you are a beginner do not paddle out right next to the pier for safety and crowd reasons.
Hazards: pier structure, crowds, fishing lines, currents
3W-7W
This area is fantastic if you are brand new to surfing. The pier crowd dies out around 3W and there is plenty of room to improve your surfing. You will have your choice of any wave and will not have to be worried about crowds or hazards. If you are not a fan of surfing alone, link up with a friend and make a day of it.
Hazards: a few rocks here and there and possibly a few swimmers
Use this as just a general Folly Beach surfing guide. Wherever you surf, be smart about it. Know your level and respect the surfers who have been surfing in that spot their whole lives. You don’t want to be the surfer getting in the way and causing dangerous situations. Practice away from the “better spots” until you are ready. Always be aware of side currents and rips. These can make the pier and spots with rock jetties dangerous. We see it every swell, people underestimate the power, drift, or their ability and end up in bad situations. Surfing is all about fun, don’t worry if you aren’t surfing the ‘“best” breaks.