Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a destination that I have visited an incredible amount of times throughout my life. Something that most people do not know is that there can be fun waves as well. I hope this article forms a unique perspective of this under-appreciated beach!
Myrtle Beach Surfing
Surfing in Myrtle Beach is a different experience than anywhere else on the east coast.
Not a lot of people understand that the waves there can get really fun, so crowds are never a big issue!
Waves in Myrtle Beach
The waves are a little unpredictable. Most of the time, the surf forecast never gets the call right and so if you are on a surf trip in Myrtle Beach, I would wake up every morning and check the surf yourself.
The best swell direction for all of Myrtle Beach is a SE or S swell mixed with NW or W winds with a mid-tide that is pushing high.
Waves in Myrtle Beach average 2ft feet although, since it is on the east coast, it may be flat for weeks and then firing for others.
The east coast can always surprise you.
Surf Culture in Myrtle Beach
If I am being honest, surfing “culture” is hard to come across in Myrtle Beach.
All there is are a bunch of touristy surf shops and kooky surf schools. I have met some really nice surfers from Myrtle Beach who absolutely rip, but community-wise, there’s not much going on over there.
You will definitely need some cold water gear here in Myrtle Beach considering it is located in the Carolinas off the east coast.
It can get really cold here. Once early October hits, you will need a spring suit.
When the winter comes, you will need a 3/2 full suit or maybe even a 4/3 in those extra cold winters in South Carolina.
You will need nice pairs of gloves and booties at the peak of winter, some even wear hoodies. It starts to warm up in the water around springtime.
In April you will need a spring suit or top and you may be able to pull off bikinis and board shorts by the end of April.
Where to Surf in Myrtle Beach
Similar to Folly Beach, Myrtle Beach is just one sand-bottom beach that runs straight on the coast.
There are random, always changing, sandbars that pick up a good swell, but nothing sticks around.
All ability levels of surfers are welcomed here, as it is hardly intimidating at all.
The best time of the year to surf is during the fall, especially during hurricane season.
Sometimes a NE swell comes in and can produce large, dredgy-barreling, waves that only advanced surfers can paddle out in.
All types of water men and women are welcomed in Myrtle Beach including longboard, short board, boogie board, and SUP boards.
Things to Do in Myrtle Beach When Waves are Flat
You will never run out of options when it comes to doing things in Myrtle Beach, I’ll tell you that with extreme confidence.
There is SkyWheel ferris wheel right on the beach, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Myrtle Waves Water Park, an upside down house called WonderWorks that is filled with crazy activities, Pirates Voyage dinner show, Broadway Grand Prix, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and way more!
If you are looking for something more nature-based, Myrtle Beach has a lot to offer in that area as well. Go check out Ripley’s Aquarium, Brookgreen Gardens, and Myrtle Beach State Park. When it comes to dinner and night-life, Broadway at the Beach has absolutely everything for you.
The Bottom Line: Surfing in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach will surprise you. On your east coast surf trip, stop here for some fun and sun!