Surfside Pier
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Highest crowds in June, July, and August; quieter during winter months.
Hurricane and tropical storm season runs June 1st to November 30th (peak activity typically August and September).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible on the beach adjacent to the pier area, but generally restricted near the pier itself due to safety and fishing regulations.
- Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
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
Exposed beach break that only works when conditions are just right. Ride quality varies with shifting sandbars and local swell timing.
- 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.
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.
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
- sharks
- pier pilings
- rip currents
- fishing lines
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.
- No surfing within 300 feet of the pier (strict prohibition).
- Summer (May 15–September 15) designated areas only, 10 am–5 pm.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
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.
A newly reconstructed concrete pier offering fishing, dining, and scenic ocean views.
An oceanfront art museum located in nearby Myrtle Beach showcasing regional and national artists.
A protected maritime forest area with hiking trails and undeveloped beach access.
A local favorite offering classic American diner fare and seafood.
An inclusive playground facility designed for children of all abilities.
From riders who've been here
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.