Folly Beach delivers some of the most impressive waves on the East Coast. “The Washout” stands as a legendary spot that Hurricane Hugo naturally reshaped along the coastline. The balmy 82-degree water temperatures and consistent 2-3 foot waves make this South Carolina gem perfect for surfers of all skill levels.
My countless hours learning these waters have shown that Folly Beach waves create an experience unlike any other in the region. The welcoming surf culture here makes everyone feel right at home. You can catch swells at the less crowded north side of the pier or take a $60 private lesson from local instructors. In this piece, I’ll share my insider knowledge to help you maximize your surfing adventure at this East Coast paradise.
Best Surf Spots at Folly Beach
Folly Beach features unique surf breaks that create their own distinctive wave patterns and conditions. South Carolina surfers flock here because it delivers some of the most reliable waves on the East Coast.
The Washout: What makes it special
The Washout stands as the prime surfing location. Hurricane Hugo created this legendary spot by destroying a row of beachfront homes, which lets wind sweep freely across the shore. This natural event shaped one of South Carolina’s most dynamic wave zones.
Sandy bottoms and scattered jettied beach breaks give The Washout its tremendous power, particularly during northeasterly or hurricane swells. This regional classic proves too challenging for newcomers. Waves perform best at mid to high tide and range from waist to overhead height.
Surfers should watch out for:
- Strong currents on larger swells
- Underwater debris
- Rock jetties that line much of the beach
Folly Beach Pier: North vs. South side
The Pier area provides great alternatives to escape The Washout’s crowds. North side attracts fewer surfers and creates nice right breaks off the pier. The south side produces longer, occasionally barreling lefts during sizeable northeast swells.
East or south swells paired with northwest winds bring out the best conditions on both sides. Surfing restrictions apply within 200 feet of the pier, and a complete ban exists from mid-May through September.
The Pier’s waves pack less power than The Washout but still outmuscle most South Carolina beachbreaks. Wave size rarely exceeds overhead conditions here.
Hidden gems: 10th Street and beyond
10th Street East strikes a perfect balance among surf spots. It might not match The Washout’s size during northeast swells, but it handles south swells beautifully. Smaller crowds and waves that break farther out create better form and longer lines.
Most surfers find 10th Street welcoming on regular days. Rock jetties along Folly’s coastline create scattered peaks that offer many more options beyond these main spots.
Surf data shows that waves big enough to ride appear about 8% of the time during a typical April at Folly Beach. Smart timing helps catch the best conditions.
How to Prepare for Surfing at Folly Beach
The right preparation can make your surfing day amazing instead of frustrating. Let me share my local knowledge about gear, rentals, and lessons that will set you up for a great surf session.
What gear you’ll need by season
The gear you need at Folly Beach changes with the seasons. Summer is simple – just grab your board shorts or bikini and hit the waves. Things change around early October. You’ll just need a spring suit as the water gets cooler. Winter is a different story – a 3/2 full suit becomes essential, and you might want to upgrade to a 4/3 during the coldest days. Most winter surfers here also pack gloves and booties, and some locals throw on hoodies to stay extra warm.
The water starts warming up in spring. April calls for a spring suit or top, but you can switch back to board shorts by the end of the month. A longboard (at least 8’6″) works best in typical Folly Beach conditions and helps you catch waves more easily in smaller surf. The fall brings bigger swells, and that’s the time experienced surfers might grab their mid-lengths, fish designs, or shortboards.
Where to rent boards and wetsuits
You’ll find several quality rental shops right in town. Ocean Surf Shop stocks everything from beginner-friendly soft-tops to high-performance models shaped by Gary Wilson himself. They charge $30 for 24 hours, $60 for 2-3 days, or $100 weekly. Winter wetsuit rentals are also available.
McKevlin’s, a 1965-old South Carolina surf shop icon, asks $40 for 24-hour board rentals or $95 weekly. Both shops work on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. Carolina Salt and Folly Beach Adventures make things easier by delivering equipment straight to your vacation rental.
Booking surf lessons with local instructors
New surfers should start with professional instruction. Carolina Salt Surf Lessons guarantees you’ll catch waves whatever your skill level. Their lessons include all the equipment, rash guards, and seasonal wetsuits. A 90-minute session covers wave selection, water entry, and surf etiquette.
Isla Surf School gives you options from private lessons to group sessions and camps. Shaka Surf School takes it further with specialized classes like women’s surf and yoga combinations. Private lessons cost about $60 and include board usage. Advanced surfers can book “Surfing with the Pro” sessions with Kyle Busey, South Carolina’s only professional surfer turned instructor.
Reading the Folly Surf Report
The right surf forecast websites and understanding wave conditions are everything you need to catch quality waves at Folly Beach. Experience has taught me that good forecasts can mean the difference between riding perfect waves and wasting time in messy conditions.
How to check the daily surf forecast
Surfline and Swellinfo are my go-to sites for surf reports, though Magicseaweed and DeepSwell work great too. These sites show vital measurements that help you predict wave conditions:
- Wave height (measured in feet)
- Swell period (seconds between waves)
- Swell direction (compass direction)
- Wind speed and direction
- Tide times and heights
The 5-day forecast on Surfline lets you hover over colored lines to see detailed swell data. The orange line usually shows the main swell that will affect Folly Beach conditions.
Understanding tides, wind, and swell direction
The best waves at Folly come from south or southeast swells with 6-10 second periods. East-northeast swells can create good waves too. Clean conditions happen with northwest or north offshore winds.
Wave quality depends heavily on swell direction. Northeast angled swells often miss the beach, which leads to weak, drifty waves. The swell period makes a big difference – waves over 8 seconds create better-shaped, more organized sets.
Mid-tides work best at Folly. The sweet spot happens during the “incoming tide push” – those middle hours between low and high tide produce the strongest waves. High tide creates mushy waves that don’t hit the sandbar right, while low tide makes waves break too fast in shallow water.
Best times of day to surf
You’ll find the cleanest conditions early on weekdays with lighter winds. The crowds are thinner and there are fewer swimmers around, though the Pier and Washout still get their pre-work regulars.
The wind often calms down at sunset, creating some surprisingly clean waves. Evening sessions usually have smaller crowds since most surfers don’t expect the conditions to improve.
April isn’t the most consistent month – only about 8% of days have surfable waves. Fall months from September through November give you the best chance for quality surf, with steady swells and good winds.
Local Tips for a Great Surf Trip
The perfect surfing experience goes beyond catching great waves. You need to understand the local vibe and know the best spots to unwind after your session.
Surf etiquette and respecting locals
Proper etiquette makes surfing at Folly safe and fun for everyone. Always use a leash – the law requires it. The rules change during peak season. Surfing stops from 10 am to 6 pm in the swimming zone between May 15th and September 15th (2nd Street East to 3rd Street West). You can’t surf within 200 feet of the fishing pier at any time.
Southern Hospitality runs deep at Folly, and locals appreciate respect. A quick chat with the regulars before you paddle out goes a long way. Summer brings crowds, so a friendly smile helps smooth things over. The Washout gets packed, but you might find better waves at less crowded spots nearby.
Where to eat, park, and relax after surfing
Early birds catch the parking spots at Folly Beach County Park. The 225 spaces usually fill up by 10:30 am on weekends and holidays. The city provides 49 public access points with paid parking. Most lots cost $2 per hour or $10 for the day from 8 am to 8 pm. The lots close at 10 pm, so no overnight parking.
Folly’s food scene hits the spot after a surf session. Lost Dog Cafe tops the breakfast charts – perfect fuel before paddling out. Chico Feo serves amazing global dishes in a laid-back outdoor setting. Bert’s Market never closes, and their Wooden Spoon counter makes killer sandwiches that taste great on the beach.
Center Street offers plenty of ways to wind down. Browse the surf shops and boutiques, or dance at a Moonlight Mixer by the pier (monthly from May through September). Most surfers end up at Lowlife Bar, sipping cocktails in its electric atmosphere.
Conclusion
Folly Beach’s blend of Southern charm and amazing waves has captured my heart. The Washout shines as our best spot, and the South Carolina coastline has spots for everyone. New surfers and pros alike will find their perfect wave here.
Your success on these waves boils down to good timing and solid prep work. Daily surf reports, the right gear for each season, and following local customs will boost your experience by a lot. The swells might be sparse in April, but fall brings waves worth waiting for.
This place goes beyond just surfing – you’ll find yourself part of a warm, welcoming crowd. The real Folly Beach magic happens when you grab breakfast at Lost Dog Cafe before dawn or swap stories at Lowlife Bar as the sun sets. These moments keep surfers coming back season after season.
Of course, surfing here has its tough days, but catching that perfect wave while dolphins swim nearby makes everything click. Grab your board, show respect to the locals, and you’ll soon find out why Folly Beach holds such a special spot in every East Coast surfer’s heart.
