The Pier (DeBordieu Colony)
- Longboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 Pier (DeBordieu Colony) is an exposed beach/pier break centered on the pier structure, with small surf that’s generally described as consistent through the year. Waves break over sand and are commonly workable for beginners, with better results around mid tide (often also described as mid-to-high or rising tide being preferred). On the right swell direction—especially northeast to south—longer left-hand rides are often highlighted. Wind expectations for the pier area are centered on west to northwest offshore grooming when conditions align. A sea-breeze influence is described for warmer months, with winds often developing in the afternoon. For a more pleasant session, favor offshore NW/West setups and be cautious with southerly winds, which can make the water choppier. Safety is a major focus at this launch: rip currents are reported near the pier and groins, and there are hazards from pier pilings/rock groins plus rocks near the pier area. Pollution is also noted as a concern (including the possibility of runoff after heavy rain), and debris can appear after storms. Locals and access etiquette matter—this is a private, gated community where entry is restricted to residents and invited guests. Overall timing-wise, November is specifically called out as a best month in surf-spot guidance, while autumn (September through November) is described as a strong season balance of swell and favorable winds. Expect crowding to be higher on good swell days even though access is restricted, so plan accordingly.
- Longer left-hand rides on northeast swell days
- Mid tide sweet spot; rising tide often improves wave shape
- Beginner-friendly sandy break over soft wave character
- Offshore NW/West winds can groom conditions
- Beginner-friendly beach/pier break on sand
- Mid tide is commonly the most favorable for wave shape
- Longer left-handers can appear on northeast swell days
- Swell window around ~0.6 m is described as ideal
- Exposed setting can make conditions harsher with wind or swell
- Rip currents and pier/rock hazards
- Pollution concerns reported
- Private, gated access restricts who can enter
- Can get surprisingly crowded on good swell/wind combinations
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Offshore directions
- W, NW
- Wind Range
- 10–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Afternoon sea-breeze conditions are described as common in warmer months; typical wind flow includes west/northwest influence at the pier area.
- Reliability
- Moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- Slight wind shadow possible immediately behind the pier or dunes with land-based winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Waves are generally described as small.
- Launch
- Medium — Rideable on both sides of the pier; additionally described as having a spacious sandy beach area inside the private community.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Low to moderate due to restricted private access; busiest during summer holiday weekends.
June to November (hurricane season).
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed beach/pier break built around the pier structure, producing generally small surf with opportunities for longer left-hand rides on northeast to south swell. Works around the pier with a sandy bottom suitable for beginners, though pier hazards and rip currents are key concerns.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE, E, ENE, NNE
- Swell Height
- 0.6–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is repeatedly indicated as the sweet spot; mid-to-high or rising tide is commonly preferred for better sessions.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open/exposed setting; less protection from wind and swell.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the West or Northwest can groom waves; southerly winds can create choppier conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large swells but is described as holding moderate hurricane swells reasonably well.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Described as average overall, with longer lefts on the right swell direction.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Wave power is described as soft; wave quality is generally average.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Wave shape described as mushy/soft with some peaky bursts typical of beach-breaks.
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Longer, slower peeling lefts are referenced for NE swells; generally soft/peeling wave behavior.
- Ride Length
- Short — Most rides are short, peaky bursts; typical ride lengths are described as 30–60 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–60 m
- Ride Length Details
- Short peaky bursts are typical, with longer left-handers possible on NE swell days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for The Pier (DeBordieu Colony) in the full forecast view.
The Pier (DeBordieu Colony) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–17 ktsGusts 32 kts
- Direction
- NE39°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2517 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.9 m6s period
- Temperature
- 11–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, The Pier (DeBordieu Colony) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 32 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.6–1.9 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
- Rip currents
- Rocks near pier/pier pilings
- Rock groins
- Pollution (including pollution runoff after heavy rain)
- Potential debris after storms
- Locals
- Sharks
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional coverage is described as limited; private security and beach patrol monitoring is noted for the community, with official emergency services via regional agencies.
- Emergency Info
- Dial 911 for emergencies; nearest major medical facilities are listed in Georgetown and Pawleys Island.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Respect locals; be aware of rip currents and rocks/pier hazards; note access restrictions to the private gated community.
- Private property access only, gated community entrance
- Beach access is restricted to residents and their invited guests
- Tide is key: mid to mid-high tide is typically the best time for better wave shape; low tide tends to struggle.
- Incoming tide is often when the spot produces better waves.
- Check wind before heading out; offshore NW conditions can groom waves.
- Expect crowds on good swell days.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Georgetown
- Nearest Town
- Pawleys Island
- Nearest Airport
- Charleston International Airport (CHS) or Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
- Parking
- Private parking available for residents and club members at the Beach Club.
- Public Transport
- Virtually non-existent within the immediate vicinity; private vehicle required.
- Access
- Beach access at DeBordieu Colony; pier structure on both sides. Access is strictly limited to residents and guests of the DeBordieu Colony gated community.
- Cost Level
- Luxury
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotels in nearby Pawleys Island; private rentals inside DeBordieu Colony.
- Food & Drink
- Dining is available at the DeBordieu Beach Club for members and guests.
- Equipment Rental:
- No public rentals are described on-site; equipment rental is available via vendors in nearby Pawleys Island.
- Gear Storage
- Private storage is available for residents only.
- Gear Repair
- No on-site repair is described at the pier itself; basic repairs are available at surf shops in Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Lowcountry-focused visits around Georgetown and nearby beaches, gardens, and research reserves.
Sculpture garden and wildlife preserve on former rice plantations.
Miles of pristine beach, hiking trails, and birdwatching opportunities.
Historic city with historic homes and a waterfront Harborwalk.
On-site dining for residents and guests featuring ocean views.
A large research reserve with guided tours of ecology and history.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at The Pier (DeBordieu Colony)?
The best overall months at The Pier (DeBordieu Colony) are September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at The Pier (DeBordieu Colony)?
The Pier (DeBordieu Colony) works with NW winds. Offshore directions are W, NW.
What skill level is The Pier (DeBordieu Colony) suitable for?
The Pier (DeBordieu Colony) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.