Surfside Pier

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Chop, Small waves
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Surfside Pier is an exposed sand-bottom beach break where surf only tends to work when conditions line up. Sources emphasize that the spot’s productivity depends heavily on the right setup (including shifting sandbars) and that there is no fixed seasonal pattern for wave quality. Safety is the main operational constraint: surfing (and other water sports) are prohibited within 300 feet of the fishing pier, and additional summer restrictions apply. The area is also described as having shark hazards, along with pier pilings, fishing lines, and the potential for rip currents near the pier structure. For surfing specifically, the spot is rated as sheltered from neither wind nor swell (described as exposed) and typically produces soft, mushy waves with an average overall quality. Mid tide is preferred, and northwest winds are associated with cleaner conditions, while easterly winds tend to create heavier chop. Typical rides are short (about 30–50 meters) and can close out when swell becomes too large. Seasonally, winter water can be cold, so wetsuit and head/foot protection are commonly recommended during colder months. Monthly conditions data also points to December as a best month, while winds are noted as more favorable from the northwest in the late-year period.

  • Exposed beach break with rideable short, punchy waves when sandbars cooperate
  • Strict 300-foot pier exclusion zone for surfing
  • Northwest winds generally improve surface conditions
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardBeginners
What's great
  • Beginner-friendly access compared with many other exposed beach breaks (short, soft waves).
  • Wide sandy launch area with space outside the immediate pier zone.
  • Seasonal lifeguard coverage from May through September.
Heads up
  • Strict 300-foot pier exclusion zone for surfing and other water sports.
  • Conditions can be very variable—only works when conditions are just right.
  • Shark hazard and pier-related hazards (pilings, fishing lines) are noted.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW, W
Wind Range
5–15 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Northwest to westerly winds described as frontal; occasional afternoon sea breezes can occur.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Steady
Best Months
September, October, November, December, January, February, March
Shadow Zones
The pier itself can create minor wind turbulence in its immediate lee.

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Small waves
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Small surf is typical when conditions are working.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Choppy conditions can develop, especially with sea-breeze influence.
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach launch with space outside the immediate pier zone.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
10–28 °C
Water Temperature
8–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 4/3mm or 5/4mmApr, May, Nov: 3/2mmJun–Oct: boardshorts or swimwear
Crowds by Season

Highest crowds in June, July, and August; quieter during winter months.

Storm/Rain Season

Hurricane and tropical storm season runs June 1st to November 30th (peak activity typically August and September).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Possible on the beach adjacent to the pier area, but generally restricted near the pier itself due to safety and fishing regulations.

FreerideWave
Kite Sizes
10–14 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Open beach space for wingfoiling; shallow sandbars can be tricky at low tide.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
5–7 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach break that only works when conditions are just right. Ride quality varies with shifting sandbars and local swell timing.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
E, ESE, NE
Swell Height
0.5–1.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid tide is preferred.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Northwest winds groom the face for cleaner conditions; East winds create heavier chop.
Bigger Swell
Can close out when swell exceeds 2 meters; works best on medium-period groundswells.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Soft
Wave Shape
Mushy
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short — Short and punchy; rides are generally brief.
Typical Ride Length
30–50 m
Ride Length Details
Typical rides are short and punchy; East Coast beach-break character.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Surfside Pier in the full forecast view.

Surfside Pier wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
6–17 ktsGusts 28 kts
Direction
NE41°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2517 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.7–1.6 m6s period
Temperature
11–24 °C

Over the next 7 days, Surfside Pier is forecast for daytime winds of 6–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.7–1.6 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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

  • sharks
  • pier pilings
  • rip currents
  • fishing lines
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestLeashBootsGlovesHoodWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Provided by local beach patrol and the Surfside Beach Fire Department during peak season from May through September.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
Nearest emergency services are in Surfside Beach or Myrtle Beach; emergency services via 911.

Rules of the spot

Surfing is prohibited within 300 feet of the fishing pier; during summer (May 15–September 15) surfing is permitted only in designated areas between 10 am and 5 pm. Leashes required for surfboards.

Restrictions
  • No surfing within 300 feet of the pier (strict prohibition).
  • Summer (May 15–September 15) designated areas only, 10 am–5 pm.
Local Tips
  • Check local tide charts since the beach can become very narrow at high tide.
  • The best sandbars often shift after major storms or hurricanes.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Surfside Beach
Nearest Town
Surfside Beach
Nearest Airport
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) (~10 km / 6 miles)
Parking
Paid public parking near the pier and at various street-end access points.
Public Transport
Coast RTA buses serve the area; most visitors rely on rental cars or golf carts
Access
Public beach access points are available along Ocean Boulevard; paid public parking is available near the pier and at various street-end access points.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Showers
Toilets
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous beach house rentals, oceanfront condominiums, and locally owned motels are within walking distance.
Food & Drink
The pier features a restaurant and bar; additional dining options are within walking distance.
Equipment Rental:
Local surf shops offer surfboard rentals.
Gear Storage
Storage options are generally limited to private accommodation or seasonal lockers at certain surf shops.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard repairs are available at nearby surf shops.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Surfside Beach is a family-oriented coastal area known as “The Family Beach,” with a community-centered focus on recreational access and seasonal safety services.

Best time to visit: Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer the best balance of pleasant weather, warm water, and fewer crowds.
Surfside Beach Pier0 km

A newly reconstructed concrete pier offering fishing, dining, and scenic ocean views.

Franklin G. Burroughs - Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum8 km

An oceanfront art museum located in nearby Myrtle Beach showcasing regional and national artists.

Myrtle Beach State Park6 km

A protected maritime forest area with hiking trails and undeveloped beach access.

Surfside 7 Diner0.5 km

A local favorite offering classic American diner fare and seafood.

All Children's Park1 km

An inclusive playground facility designed for children of all abilities.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Surfside Pier?

The best overall months at Surfside Pier are September, October, November, December. The best wind months are September, October, November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Surfside Pier?

Surfside Pier works with NW, W winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Surfside Pier?

Recommended equipment sizes at Surfside Pier: Kitesurfing: 10–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 5–15 kts.

What skill level is Surfside Pier suitable for?

Surfside Pier suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.