Cherry Grove Pier
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
The break is exposed and primarily a beach-break, with surf most consistently discussed as small-to-moderate and average in quality. Providers disagree slightly on how “soft” versus “moderate” the wave power feels, but both agree that the rides are generally short and that conditions can deteriorate quickly into closing-out sections on inner sandbars or outer bars during larger swells. Optimal swell direction is described around the southeast to south sector, and offshore winds from the north to NNW (plus West/NW offshore) are highlighted as the best setup; northeast winds are noted as making conditions choppier. Safety is a major constraint at this spot. Sources warn about rips/undertow and rip currents, and also flag sharks as a hazard. In addition, pier pilings and fishing lines/hooks near the structure can create risk, and there is a strict rule against surfing within 300 feet of the pier. Leashes are generally required, and peak-season daytime surfing is restricted to designated zones. If you’re planning a session, prioritize the offshore wind window and avoid paddling out close to the pier unless you can clearly do so within the permitted distance.
- Exposed beach-break with left/right waves
- Often small and inconsistent, but can be more fun on stronger swells
- Works best with offshore north to north-northwest winds
- Mid tide is typically favored
- Exposed beach break with both left and right waves.
- Beginner-friendly when conditions line up.
- Offshore winds from the north to NNW can groom conditions.
- Surf works infrequently/inconsistently.
- Currents and rips/undertow are present.
- Pier exclusion zone restricts where you can surf.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW, NNW
- Offshore directions
- N, NNE, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Wind direction and seasonality are described inconsistently across providers; regional context indicates a thermal sea-breeze pattern in warmer months, while this spot is specifically noted for offshore N to NNW winds when it works.
- Reliability
- low; works once in a while
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gustiness is described as moderate by one provider.
- Best Months
- August, September, October, March, April
- Shadow Zones
- Minor turbulence/turbulence near the immediate vicinity due to the pier structure.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Wave size is described as small; can reach head high on larger/hurricane swells but often inconsistent.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Choppiness is referenced as an issue with onshore/northeast winds; otherwise conditions can be groomed by offshore wind.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach access suitable for paddling out from either side of the pier.
Through the year
Highest during summer months (June–August) with tourists; quietest in winter.
Hurricane season runs June through November, with potentially significant swell and dangerous conditions.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed beach break offering peaks on both sides of the pier. Surf is described as inconsistent/works infrequently and is best when swell direction matches and offshore winds are present.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SE, S, E
- Swell Height
- 0.5–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is repeatedly referenced as the best tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — No shelter from cross-shore breezes; exposed shoreline.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the West and Northwest groom the face; Northeast winds tend to be choppy and drifted. Offshore N to NNW is specifically noted as working best with no shelter from cross-shore breezes.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold up to head high, but is often inconsistent and may begin to close out on outer bars during very large swells; hurricane swells can make it more fun but with closure risk.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality is described as average.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Wave power is described as soft by one provider, despite another describing it as moderate at times.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Wave shape is described as mixed; another provider also notes mushy tendencies.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — A medium peel speed is suggested by one provider.
- Ride Length
- Short — Ride lengths are described as short, with typical waves providing punchy rides that may close out quickly on inner sandbars.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typically short, punchy rides that can close out on inner sandbars.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cherry Grove Pier in the full forecast view.
Cherry Grove Pier wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–14 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- NE40°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2514 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–0.6 m6s period
- Temperature
- 10–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cherry Grove Pier is forecast for daytime winds of 6–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.3–0.6 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rips and undertow
- sharks
- pier pilings
- fishing lines and hooks
- rip currents
- fishing lines near pier area
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard coverage is indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited by one provider; regional baseline indicates limited rescue capability with seasonal lifeguards and patrol support.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency contact is local beach public safety; nearest hospital is in the North Myrtle Beach/Myrtle Beach area. (Regional baseline indicates 911 with nearby hospital access.)
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Sources indicate no localism friction.
Rules of the spot
No surfing within 300 feet of the pier; leash mandatory; peak-season daytime surfing restrictions apply in designated zones.
- No surfing within 300 feet of the pier (including Cherry Grove Pier).
- Leashes generally required.
- Peak-season daytime restrictions outside designated zones (peak-season daytime hours and designated zones noted).
- Avoid the 300 ft zone around the pier.
- Early/relatively calm timing (e.g., mornings) can help find lighter wind/conditions.
- Check local fishing activity before paddling out near the pier.
- Surf only in designated zones during peak season.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- North Myrtle Beach
- Nearest Town
- North Myrtle Beach
- Parking
- Parking available near the pier (also described as paid lots and street parking nearby).
- Access
- Public beach access at Cherry Grove Pier, 3502 N. Ocean Blvd., North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels, vacation rentals, and condos line the beachfront.
- Food & Drink
- On-site options at the pier are mentioned; a restaurant is also noted within reach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Local surf shops in the North Myrtle Beach area provide board rentals.
- Gear Storage
- On-site storage is described as limited.
- Gear Repair
- Local surf shops offer basic ding repair and other minor services.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A historic landmark offering fishing and panoramic views of the coastline.
Showcases the regional history, from the development of the 'Shag' dance to maritime history.
Raised boardwalks through salt marshes for birdwatching and hiking.
Popular beachfront pub and grill with a deck overlooking the Atlantic.
One of the largest reptile facilities in the world located nearby at Barefoot Landing.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cherry Grove Pier?
The best overall months at Cherry Grove Pier are August, September, October. The best wind months are August, September, October, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Cherry Grove Pier?
Cherry Grove Pier works with N, NW, NNW winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE, NW, NNW.
What skill level is Cherry Grove Pier suitable for?
Cherry Grove Pier suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.