Folly’s Favorite Surf Spots: The Washout, 10th Street East, and More

Published On: August 20, 2025

Folly Beach has a little something for every surfer. Fall is prime, winter stays consistent, and summer lights up when tropical systems spin swell our way. If you’re planning around a trip, aim for September through November for your best odds of quality waves and favorable winds.

Know the rules before you suit up

A quick checklist so you stay safe and in bounds:

A leash is required.
No surfing within 200 feet of the fishing pier. Charleston County Parks posts and enforces that buffer.
From May 15 to Sept. 15, surfing is prohibited between 10 am and 5 pm from 2nd St. East to 3rd St. West.
Stay at least 50 feet from any rock groin. They’re hard to see at higher tides and absolutely off-limits for surfing and swimming.

The lineup

1) The Washout

Folly’s headline spot is a magnet when conditions turn on. It works best mid to high tide, with north or northwest winds grooming the face. A southeast-leaning swell plus northwest winds is a classic combo here. Expect heavier currents and more push than most other sandbars on the island, and plan for a crowd when it’s good. If you’re newer to surfing, consider easing in elsewhere first.

Who will like it: Intermediates and up, or confident beginners with a lesson.

Heads-up: Parking is limited and fills fast on good days. Check a live cam and a forecast before you commit.

2) 10th Street East

A favorite for a reason. It’s usually a notch mellower than The Washout on northeast swell but it handles south swell well and can be less crowded. If you’re stepping up from foamie days or want a friendlier read on the sandbars, start here.

Who will like it: All levels, especially progressing beginners.

Tip: Watch the tide. Folly’s banks often feel best around the mid-tide push.

3) 6th Street East

A dependable option when the banks are cooperating. It can offer clean peaks without the full Washout scene. Keep an eye on the sand and be ready to move north or south to find the best bar.

4) Near the Pier (outside the buffer)

On the right day, the outside bar can line up for longer rides on either side of the pier. Respect the 200-foot no-surf zone and any lifeguard direction, then look for a low-to-mid tide window with some east in the swell and a touch of north in the wind.

When to go

Best season: Fall leads the pack for consistency and quality. Winter follows with steady surf, and spring is variable but can surprise. Summer is inconsistent, with standout days from tropical activity.
Tide: Folly is tide-sensitive. Many days feel best around the mid-tide push. If you miss it, try the opposite mid-tide window.
Forecast check: Use Surfline’s local cams and spot pages for The Washout, 10th Street, and the Pier to read swell direction, wind, and tide timing.

Gear, lessons, and where to get set up

Rentals: McKevlin’s Surf Shop on Center Street has a deep rental fleet with straightforward day and week rates. They’ll also point you toward less crowded peaks if you’re renting.
Lessons: Isla Surf School teaches all levels and is a solid way to learn Folly’s sandbars safely and quickly. You’ll cover ocean safety, etiquette, and local conditions before you paddle out. You can also browse Visit Folly’s Surfing directory for more options.

Safety and etiquette that matter here

Give right of way to the surfer closest to the peak and don’t paddle straight through the line-up if you can avoid it. McKevlin’s even reminds renters to steer clear of heavy crowds like The Washout and the Pier
Mind the groins and currents, especially towards the ends of the island, and obey flagged swim zones and lifeguards.

Bottom line

If you’re chasing that classic Folly feeling, start with 10th Street East on a friendly day, graduate to The Washout when conditions line up, and keep the rule set top of mind. Check the cams, time the tide, and you’ll stack some real sessions here.

Folly’s Favorite Surf Spots: The Washout, 10th Street East, and More