The Washout (Folly Beach)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
The Washout (Folly Beach) is an exposed ocean surf spot at the northeastern end of the island, with a beach/pier break that’s described as working year-round. It tends to be best around mid tide (often mid-to-high), and it pairs northeast/southeast swells with offshore northwest winds for cleaner faces and more forceful sections. Wave character is commonly described as fast and punchy, with hollow sections when conditions line up. One set of guidance highlights outgoing tide effects—reducing certain hazards such as oyster beds and helping expose sandbars for cleaner waves—while another emphasizes that NE swells and late-summer hurricane-season swell pulses bring the most power. Wind direction matters: northwest/offshore flow tends to groom the surface, while onshore NE/E can make conditions very choppy. Safety planning is important. Reported hazards include sharks and jellyfish, and the spot can also see rip currents/strong longshore currents, particularly during larger swell. There are also underwater/nearshore groins/jetties that surfers should avoid, and stingray precautions are suggested when entering the water (shuffle feet). Lifeguards are seasonal and rescue is described as limited. On the practical side, parking is a major constraint. Sources repeatedly warn that parking is extremely limited and enforcement is active with frequent ticketing—so arriving early is strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Crowds can be competitive on good days, with thinner lineups on weekday mornings and early sessions.
- Exposed eastern-end Folly Beach beach/pier break that works year-round
- Offshore NW winds can groom the face
- Mid-tide is consistently cited as the best timing
- Hollow/fast sections with the right NE/SE swell pairing
- Hazards include sharks, jellyfish, and strong currents
- Exposed Atlantic beach/pier setup that works year-round.
- Offshore northwest winds can clean up the face, improving wave shape.
- Mid-tide (often mid-to-high) and favorable NE/SE swell pairings are repeatedly cited as producing the most usable surfing conditions.
- Parking is notoriously difficult with active ticketing.
- Strong currents/rip currents can occur, especially with large swells.
- Multiple marine hazards are reported (including sharks and jellyfish), plus stingray risk when entering the water.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Offshore directions
- NW, N, WNW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Offshore northwest winds can groom the face; sea-breeze/thermal influence is present seasonally (especially spring/summer).
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported in wind data; surfing conditions still depend strongly on swell/tide.
- Best Months
- March, April, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size described as medium overall; can build with stronger swell and hurricane-season pulses.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop can increase when winds shift onshore (e.g., NE/E); offshore NW tends to reduce surface roughness.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach entry into the surf zone.
Through the year
Thinner on weekday mornings and early mornings; crowds increase on weekends, and peak crowds are noted during summer weekends and during significant autumn swell.
June through November hurricane season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Reported as challenging for kitesurfing due to groins and heavier surf; best left to experienced riders who can handle waves.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Occasionally used for wave-sailing when conditions align, though surfing is the primary activity.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6 m²
Difficult due to shallow water near groins and the consistent shore break/waves; foil-friendly conditions limited.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendliness reported as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach and pier break at the eastern end of Folly Beach that works year-round. Best on mid-tide (often mid-to-high). With the right northeast/southeast swell pairing and offshore NW winds, the wave offers fast, hollow/punchy sections.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SE, S, SSE, ESE, E
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, High — Mid tide is repeatedly noted as the best; sources also indicate mid-to-high as favorable.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed to Atlantic conditions.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore NW winds from the northwest clean/groom faces; conditions can become very choppy with onshore NE or E winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold up to double overhead but often closes out or becomes very heavy with strong currents; late-summer hurricane pulses can add the most power.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good quality; described as having consistent regular wave energy.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power overall; most power comes with the right swell patterns (notably hurricane-season pulses).
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Hollow sections are a signature feature; some sources also describe peeling shape.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast, fast sections are reported; some descriptions also characterize peel as medium depending on swell.
- Ride Length
- Short — Typical rides are short/punchy, with occasional longer lines when swell is ideal.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–70 m
- Ride Length Details
- Fast, hollow sections that push surfers forward; sometimes section off into longer lines with ideal swell.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for The Washout (Folly Beach) in the full forecast view.
The Washout (Folly Beach) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–17 ktsGusts 31 kts
- Direction
- NE39°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2517 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–1.6 m7s period
- Temperature
- 13–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, The Washout (Folly Beach) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 31 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.0–1.6 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Jellyfish
- Rip currents and strong longshore currents (especially with large swells)
- Underwater groins/jetties
- Heavy crowds
- Stingrays
- Oyster beds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are seasonal (summer).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is limited; public safety/beach patrol cover designated areas and marine support exists regionally.
- Emergency Info
- Folly Beach Public Safety is the primary responder for beach emergencies. In emergencies, dial 911; major medical facilities are in Charleston.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Surfers must stay clear of underwater/wooden groins/jetties; strict beach/parking rules are enforced. No surfing within 100 feet of the Folly Beach Pier (pier is further down the beach).
- Strict parking regulations; police ticket activity reported.
- No surfing within 100 feet of the Folly Beach Pier (further down the beach).
- Arrive early for parking; spots are extremely limited and police ticket frequently.
- Best conditions often come around mid-tide rising/mid tide; outgoing tide can reduce hazards like oyster beds and can expose sandbars for cleaner waves.
- Early mornings on weekdays tend to be thinner-crowded with fewer swimmers.
- When entering the water, shuffle your feet to reduce stingray risk.
- On-shore NE/E winds can make the face very choppy; NW offshore winds groom the surface.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Charleston
- Nearest Town
- Folly Beach
- Nearest Airport
- Charleston International Airport (CHS) (~20 miles / 32 km)
- Parking
- Extremely limited parallel parking along East Ashley Avenue; all tires must be completely off the pavement or you will be ticketed. Arrive early on weekends as spots fill up quickly.
- Public Transport
- Limited service via CARTA; most visitors rely on cars or bikes.
- Access
- From Charleston, take the route to Folly Beach; at the only light, turn left and continue a few miles east. When you see cars parked on the right with no houses, you’re at The Washout. Alternative access described via East Ashley Avenue and East Arctic Avenue where surfers park.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous vacation rentals and hotels are available in Folly Beach and nearby Charleston.
- Food & Drink
- Several restaurants and bars are located a short drive away in the center of Folly Beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available locally; surfboard and paddleboard rentals locally and kite/wing rentals through specialized regional schools.
- Gear Storage
- Not available at the spot.
- Gear Repair
- Board repair services are available at local surf shops in town.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Bohemian beach-town atmosphere with an active surf community and easy access to Charleston amenities.
An iconic wooden pier extending into the Atlantic, popular for fishing and views.
A historic offshore lighthouse visible from the northern end of the island.
Guided tours through salt marshes and tidal creeks behind the island.
Main hub of Folly Beach with local seafood restaurants and vibrant bars.
A quiet park with river access for picnics and sunset viewing.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at The Washout (Folly Beach)?
The best overall months at The Washout (Folly Beach) are September, October, November. The best wind months are March, April, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at The Washout (Folly Beach)?
The Washout (Folly Beach) works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW, N, WNW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at The Washout (Folly Beach)?
Recommended equipment sizes at The Washout (Folly Beach): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is The Washout (Folly Beach) suitable for?
The Washout (Folly Beach) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.