The Laws of The Waves: Surfing In Myrtle Beach, SC

Surf’s Up or Down? Navigating the Waves of Myrtle Beach

Welcome, surfers and beach enthusiasts! If you’ve ever dreamt of catching the perfect wave along the sunny shores of Myrtle Beach, you’re in for a treat.

Twenty-ninth Avenue usually has the best waves compared to much of Myrtle Beach, especially during a south swell. Additionally, there’s slightly improved surf, albeit with some murkiness, by the creek mouth at the Holiday Inn near the Family Kingdom amusement park.

However, before you wax up your board and hit the surf, knowing where you can hang ten and where you might need to hang back is essential.

Let’s dive into where you can and cannot surf in the Grand Strand.

Where to Hang Ten 🏄‍♂️

Surfing Myrtle Beach

As per the city ordinance, the use of kayaks and surfboards within the City of Myrtle Beach is regulated for public safety. Between May 1 and Labor Day, are permitted from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at specific locations within city limits only:

• Stretching from 710 feet of the Center Line of the 29th Avenue South Street End to the Southernmost End of City Limits
• From 34th Avenue North to 47th Avenue North
• From 78th Avenue North to 81st Avenue North
• From 87th Avenue North to the Northernmost End of City Limits
• Between 62nd Avenue North to 68th Avenue North

Check out the Myrtle Beach Surf Reports and Surf Cams.

South of Myrtle Beach lies Surfside Beach, another fantastic spot for riding waves. Its vast, sandy shores and consistent surf make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach, South Carolina, nestled in the Grand Strand area just a short drive south of bustling Myrtle Beach, offers a quaint and welcoming atmosphere. Its two-mile stretch of pristine white-sand coastline has earned the affectionate moniker “The Family Beach.” This small, family-friendly community beckons visitors with its charm and tranquility, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing coastal getaway. Here are the City of Surfside Beach surfing rules and regulations.

1. Surfing Hours:
   • Between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, riding a surfboard or similar device of a hard or solid nature is prohibited in most areas, except:
     • The designated area between the swash is 270 feet south of 12th Avenue North and extends northward to 14th Avenue North.
     • The area starts 300 feet north of 13th Avenue South and extends southward to the town’s southernmost boundary.
2. Designated Surfing Times:
   • Surfing is permitted before 10:00 am and after 5:00 pm throughout the beach, except within 300 feet of the fishing pier.
3. Off-Season Surfing (September 15 to May 15):
   • Surfing is allowed from sunup to sundown along the entire beach, except within 300 feet of the fishing pier.
4. Marking of Surfing Areas:
   • Telephone poles will be placed at the base of the dunes to demarcate the designated summer surfing area. These poles will be clearly marked for visibility from the ocean.
5. Safety Equipment:
   • All surfers must always wear a leash with a stretch factor of at least six feet. This ensures that surfers remain connected to their boards, minimizing the risk of runaway boards.
6. Responsible Navigation:
   • Surfers are expected to navigate their boards in a manner that does not endanger others in the ocean or on the beach. Each individual is accountable for their actions while surfing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

These regulations aim to ensure surfers and beach enthusiasts alike can enjoy the beach.

Check out the Surfside Beach Surf Reports and Surf Cams.

Surfing North Myrtle Beach

In North Myrtle Beach, you can’t surf or skimboard on the public beach or nearby waters from 9 am to 4 pm, starting May 15 till September 15. Except in the following designated areas:

• Starting from Hog Inlet and concluding at 5th Avenue North, excluding a 300-foot range on both the north and south sides of the Cherry Grove Pier.
• Starting from 6th Avenue South and ending at 27th Avenue South.
• Starting from the southern limit of the Town of Atlantic Beach and ending at 46th Avenue South. Surfing within 300 feet of any pier is also prohibited. Furthermore, all surfers must wear a surfing leash at all times.

Discover the surfing ordinances and view the NMB interactive Surf map of North Myrtle Beach Surf Zones, which is available.

The Last Wave 🌊

While navigating the waves of Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand Beaches may require some local knowledge, the thrill of catching the perfect wave makes it all worthwhile.

So wax up your board, and get ready to ride the waves—Myrtle Beach style! Remember to respect the rules, stay safe, and, above all, have fun out there!

You can check out all the Myrtle Beach Area Beach Access Points here.

Surf’s up, adventurers! 🤙