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Surfing at Folly Beach

Surf’s up! StudyFinds analyzed nine expert reviews to name Folly Beach as one of the best surf destinations in the US. While Folly might not have the big barrel waves of Hawaii’s Pipeline, there’s still plenty of surf for everyone–from newbie wave riders to expert surfers–to catch.

If you’re an experienced surfer, your best bet is to hit the Washout, a jettied beach break whose perfect storm of conditions make for the best waves. After Hurricane Hugo wiped out the beachfront homes in this spot on the western end of the beach, surfers found that the wind blew through the area totally unimpeded, causing the swells to be bigger. This is Folly’s most famous surf spot, and the competition for waves can get intense. 

And if there’s a tropical storm or a hurricane coming, the Washout turns into a total free-for-all! Veteran surfers jostle for the chance to surf the larger hurricane swells. 

If you’re a beginner surfer, multiple surf schools on Folly Beach offer everything from group classes to private lessons. And if you don’t want to hop on a board yourself, why not watch instead? Bring a chair and grab a front-row seat to the salty action!

So what are you waiting for? Pack up your board (or rent one here on Folly) and make your way to the Edge of America to catch some of the best waves the Southeast has to offer. Hang ten!