Savannah, Georgia is a popular tourist destination, home to rich history and stunning coastal views.
While it’s a lovely spot for a weekend getaway it isn’t the most ideal place to go if you’re looking for some serious swells.
But if you find yourself in the area and just itching to head out, don’t worry there are still a few spots for you.
Where Can You Surf Near Savannah?
There are not a ton of great spots to surf in Savannah itself. For the most part, you will want to head two hours out but if you are in the Savannah area and don’t want to spend the majority of your trip driving to and from, then Tybee Island is the place to go as it’s only 18 miles from the heart of Savannah with a plethora of spots to visit with consistent waves.
Sugar Shack: Sugar Shack is an exposed break that is best surfed when the wind direction is from the west-northwest. Here you can expect left and right-hand waves from the beach break and local wind swells. The best time to head out would be mid-tide as the tide is rising and there is no need to worry about snagging a spot, this area is rarely crowded.
Little Tybee Islands: This five-mile stretch of island is only accessible by boat but is definitely worth the trip. Several shifting sandbars make it a great surf spot, especially during east-southeast hurricane swells and general east-northeast winds.
South Tybee Sandbars: The South Tybee Sandbars are positioned right between the Little Tybee Islands and Tybee. It’s made up of several offshore sandbars and a fabulous spot to longboard with long rides on days of small to medium swells during low to mid tide.
Tybee Island Pier: The Tybee Island Pier can be found on 16th Street and is considered the surfing hotspot in the area. The pier is best at high to mid-tide but works with all swells.
Gear Needed to Surf Near Savannah
The summer months of Savannah are hot and humid so you will be good to wear your typical beach attire and a huge tub of but once the colder months roll around a wetsuit is certainly recommended.
Board-wise, a longboard or a fish-style board is ideal because of the slower, smaller waves. You will not want to rent or bring boards smaller than these. With the wave speed in the area, you won’t be able to catch much or have great stability in Savannah’s conditions.
The Best Surf Seasons Near Savannah:
Summer: The summer months of Savannah will be the least ideal in terms of surf. There is always still a chance of a wind swell that, when paired with the incoming tide, can produce a decent set or two.
Fall: The water is still comfortable during the fall months and with that comes surf from hurricanes and nor’easters but this is only if the groundswell can overcome the continental shelf.
Winter: The winter months in Savannah, Georgia are generally the best time to attempt to paddle out. The high pressures and strong lows are sure to ramp up the chances of nor’easters.
Spring: The spring is a relatively good time to head out as well as you will see a few passing fronts and late-season nor’easters.
Surf Shops to Visit Near Savannah
While you are spending the day in the Tybee area, whether it be to surf or just relax, you can also find some of the best-rated surf shops in Savannah that you will want to check out.
The top two shops are Waves BeachWear Surf & Gifts and Hide Tide Surf Shop. Both can be found on 1st Street and offer a variety of beach gear, clothing, souvenirs and boards for purchase and rental.
The Bottom Line: Surfing Near Savannah
Savannah may be a bit slower than what most may consider ideal but with the right board and plenty of patience, you can still enjoy the waves and all that the area has to offer in terms of sightseeing, restaurants and shops.
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