The South End Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

S, SE

Wind

W, NW

Surf Height

Waist-overhead high

Tide

Low to mid

The South End Surf Guide

Nice occasional right sandspit point at the south end of Pawley's Island. Fickle, but it can work well on east/southeast swells. Hollow at low tide. Can be really sharky, as well as full of jellyfish and bluefish. Don't drop in on locals here. Park at the south end.

Ability Level

All Abilities

BegIntAdv

Beginner to advanced

Local Vibe

Doable

WelcomingIntimidating

Not bad most of the time but can be heavy on good days. As always, humility and respect will serve you well.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

On good swells, can be fairly heavy with the area's best surfers.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

Scattered peaks, but when the sand is right you can get a pretty long quality wave here.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

Hard NE and SW winds can produce strong currents, but generally pretty mellow.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Some runoff pollution after heavy rains.

Hazards

Sharkier than average. Strong rips on outgoing tide.

Bring Your

Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, SUP

Access

Lots of public access. Parking may be full on summer days.

Bottom

Sand.

Best Season

Late summer, early fall, early spring.

Do you have local knowledge about The South End?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]