Folly Beach Pier Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
E, SE, S
Wind
NW, N
Surf Height
Knee-high to overhead.
Tide
Mid-tides are the deal here, offering steeper, more shapely peaks — too high and the waves mush out, too low and they close out.
Folly Beach Pier Surf Guide
On average, the waves at Folly Beach Pier are considerably less powerful than whatever’s on tap at the Washout, but probably a bit more powerful than most other South Carolina beachbreaks. Big (but not too big) NE swells will often produce long, occasionally barreling lefts off the south side of the pier. Folly Beach Pier won’t really hold much more than a foot overhead.
Ability Level
Beginner - Intermediate
Suitable for all levels.
Local Vibe
Doable
The line between southern hospitality and local entitlement gets thinner the closer you get to the pier.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Accommodates shredders and cruisers alike depending on the surf.
Spot Rating
Fun
Even the worst spot in Folly Beach is still better than the best spot anywhere else in South Carolina.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Too easy — hug the pier for a dry-hair paddle-out.
Water Quality
Fair
Between stormwater runoff, jet-ski traffic and pier goop, it can get pretty nasty. However, this spot historically passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time.
Hazards
Sharks, jellyfish, angry fishermen.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard
Access
Convenient but limited parking for a fee.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
September-December
Do you have local knowledge about Folly Beach Pier?
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