Verified September 26, 2026 against the City of North Myrtle Beach, the City of Myrtle Beach, and Visit Folly Beach. Beach rules change. Always read the signs at the access.
Let’s get this out of the way: South Carolina is not Hawaii. Our waves are usually small, often mushy, and sometimes flat for a week straight. But when a swell lines up, especially in late summer and fall when storms churn offshore, the whole coast lights up. And on a small day? It’s the best place in the world to learn.
Grab a board, and here’s where to go and what to know.
Folly is the heart of South Carolina surfing. The Washout, along East Ashley Avenue, is the most famous break in the state. It’s where locals paddle out the second a swell shows up. Start with our Folly Beach Surf and Morris Island guide.
Folly rules to know:
The Grand Strand gets crowded with swimmers in summer, so each town sets surf zones and hours. Read the posted signs.
North Myrtle Beach. From May 15 through Labor Day, surfing is only allowed in designated areas between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It’s unlawful to surf within 300 feet of any pier, and all surfers must wear a leash at all times.
Myrtle Beach. The city limits surfboards to certain hours from May 1 through Labor Day, and no aquatic activity, surfing included, is allowed within 75 yards of a pier. Check the city’s beach conditions page for the current hours and zones before you paddle out.
The Isle of Palms and other barrier islands can get fun when the swell and wind cooperate. See our Isle of Palms Beach page. Local surf shops know which breaks are working today better than any app.
Summer is usually small, which is perfect for beginners and longboards. Late summer and fall bring the best swells as tropical systems move offshore. Winter can deliver clean waves too, if you’ve got a good wetsuit.
Hurricane swell warning: Big storm swell brings strong rip currents and dangerous shorebreak. If you’re not an experienced surfer, watch from the beach. And never paddle out if lifeguards or officials close the water.
Surf schools and camps on Folly and the Grand Strand run lessons for kids and adults, with soft-top boards and instructors who’ll push you into your first wave. Most are small, locally owned shops. Support them, and you’ll get the inside scoop on the local breaks too.
Adaptive surf programs help people with disabilities catch waves with trained volunteers. Check our Accessibility Guide as we build out that list.
More coastal fun lives on our Swimming hub. Now go outside and play. Paddle hard.