The Surf Window

Folly Beach

South Carolina, USA

Beach breakBeginner

Charleston's surf beach, Folly Beach is a charming, bohemian barrier island just 15 minutes from one of America's most historic cities, gentle beach break waves in a relaxed, artistic beach community.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)

Wind

W

Offshore

Tide

mid-high tide

LowMidHigh

Season

October

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Gentle beach break, soft, slow waves, great for beginners and longboarders

Length

20–60m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner
  • •Why: Warm, shallow water over a sandy beach with slow, forgiving waves, perfect for first-time surfers.

Hazards

  • •Rip currents near the Folly Beach Pier
  • •Jellyfish in summer
  • •Alligators in the inland waterways (not in the ocean, but visible from the island)

Local Tips

  • •The Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier creates sandbar formations that can improve wave shape nearby.
  • •Charleston's extraordinary food scene is 15 minutes away, the contrast between colonial history and beach break is uniquely South Carolinian.

Location

Map showing the location of Folly Beach in South Carolina, USA

32.6555, -79.9408