Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island is a laid-back South Carolina break that comes alive during hurricane season and fall Atlantic swells. Named one of the best surf spots in the South by Southern Living, the break at the pier is a fun pier setup over a sand bottom that occasionally produces long, shreddable lefts when offshore winds cooperate with powerful northeast swells. It saves its best face for southeast swells -- the more tropical the better. The pier only works on a mid to incoming tide and shuts down after surf gets a foot or two overhead. Most of the action is concentrated on the south side of the pier. Waves can be crumbly but when good they barrel hard for about 50 meters. Gets good from waist high to overhead. Southern Living advises staying close to the pier and hoping for winds from the northeast for the most consistent waves. The best swells come from the east, northeast, south, and southeast. Best time of year is fall and early spring. Summer is great for beginners with calmer, more forgiving waves.

Best conditions: Southeast or northeast swell, northwest offshore winds, mid to incoming tide, fall hurricane season

Location: Pawleys Island Pier, Pawleys Island, SC 29585