Bert's Bar Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NE, E
Wind
N, NW - NE is side offshore
Surf Height
Waist-overhead high
Tide
Mid to high
Bert's Bar Surf Guide
Sullivan's Island is just south of the Isle of Palms and gets energy from NE/E swells, but the jetty for the shipping lane blocks all southerly energy. On a NE windswell, the peak in front of Bert's Bar once offered board snapping power as it's right next to the shipping channel, so there's deep water just offshore. It's at the end of the south causeway to the island. It can be offshore here when it's howling side/onshore everywhere else. Strong north current on big swells. Shoaling has turned the area into a Kite Boarding mecca, and surf is rarely worthwhile anymore. Hopefully one day the sand will once again cooperate and locals can enjoy the wave.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Beginner to advanced
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Can be heavy, but it rarely breaks anymore so mostly a non issue.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Can be heavy at Bert's.
Spot Rating
Fun
Scattered peaks with an against the grain bounce that can square up a heavy wave for the size.
Shoulder Burn
Exhausting
Hard NE winds and accompanying windswells can produce strong north to south currents. If it is working it will be drifty.
Water Quality
Clean
Some runoff pollution after heavy rains.
Hazards
Miscellaneous sea creatures.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, SUP
Access
Lots of parking. Crowded with cars in summer and on big NE swells, though.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
Late summer, early fall, early spring.
Do you have local knowledge about Bert's Bar?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]