The Pier Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
South and Southeast swells typically best.
Wind
West and Northwest.
Surf Height
Rideable up to a bit overhead.
Tide
Mid to higher tides normally work best.
The Pier Surf Guide
A low-quality but reasonably consistent beachbreak in an otherwise surf-stoked but wave-starved area of South Carolina, Pawleys Island Pier will occasionally offer long, shreddable lefts when offshore winds cooperate with powerful NE swells, but it saves its best face for SE swells — the more tropical, the better. The Pier only works on a mid to incoming tide and shuts down after the surf gets a foot or two overhead. Most of the action is concentrated on the south side. The waves can be crumbly or dumpy, depending on conditions, but rarely epic. The continental shelf really has its way with these beaches.
Ability Level
All Abilities
beginner to advanced
Local Vibe
Doable
Rude if you're rude.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Can get crowded, especially during the summer months when there is surf.
Spot Rating
Poor
It is South Carolina so it isn't exactly a surf destination but on the right combination of swell, wind and tide it can get pretty good. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen often.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Normally not bad when it is small but on a pumping hurricane swell it can take some work.
Water Quality
Clean
Not too bad.
Hazards
Sand sharks and bluefish, but there have been few -- if any -- attacks.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
Lots of public access.
Bottom
Sand bottom.
Best Season
Late summer and fall typically best but winter and spring can offer decent surf around frontal systems.
Do you have local knowledge about The Pier?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]