The Surf Window

Isle of Palms

South Carolina, USA

Beach breakBeginner

Just north of Charleston, South Carolina, Isle of Palms is the Lowcountry's surf hub, a beautiful barrier island where the Atlantic delivers consistent small beach break to a community that surfs year-round in warm subtropical water.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–SE 1–1.5m at 10–12s

Wind

W

Light to SW under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Aug–Nov

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the beach

Length

40–80m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner to intermediate
  • •Why: Moderate, consistent beach break with warm water and forgiving conditions

Hazards

  • •Generally small waves, patience needed
  • •Rip currents in bigger hurricane swells
  • •Jellyfish in late summer

Local Tips

  • •Wild Dunes Resort area's beach gets good shape from the inlet on the south side
  • •Hurricane season brings the best waves, keep an eye on storm tracks
  • •Charleston is 30 minutes away, one of the American South's most beautiful cities for post-surf culture

Location

Map showing the location of Isle of Palms in South Carolina, USA

32.7868, -79.7880