Things To Do
A Guide to Surfing in Myrtle Beach

Knowing where to go surfing in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and other areas will make a day of riding waves safe and fun for everyone in your party. Surfers aren’t permitted in all waters, and some locations are open only seasonally, so before you head out, check the restrictions for surfing and swimming. The Grand Strand isn’t known as one of the best surfing spots in the world, but it is home to some of the top beaches in South Carolina, so for most, Myrtle Beach surfing is all about enjoying the beautiful coastline and having fun in the sun. 

With all of the oceanfront hotels and open beaches, surfing Myrtle Beach waters is a convenient activity for everyone. Consult our guidelines to find out where to surf, and then paddle out and catch a wave. Anyone new to the sport will find the gentle swells perfect for learning, and several businesses offer lessons right in town. Three- and four-foot waves are common, so you can show off your surfing techniques and have a great time on the water. Before you pack up to hit the waves for the day, check out our Tide Charts and these beach laws so you know what to bring and where to set up for a day of surfing, swimming, and suntanning.

Whether you’re new to the sport or you just haven’t hit the waves in Myrtle Beach before, here’s what you need to know and where you can get gear or lessons to maximize your surfing adventure:

Where To Surf in Myrtle Beach

Can you surf in Myrtle Beach? Yes! Hitting the Atlantic for body surfing, bodyboarding, or on your longboard are popular activities among guests and locals. Here’s a recap of the surfing rules at area beaches to keep in mind before you paddle out: 

Surfing Rules for Myrtle Beach

Surfing is not allowed within 75 yards of any pier, and all participants must wear a surfing leash (maximum 7 feet in length) at all times. From May 1 through Labor Day, surfing is allowed only in designated areas between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The following areas are designated for surfing in Myrtle Beach:

• From 710 feet of the center line of the 29th Avenue South street-end to the south city limits
• Between 37th Avenue North and 47th Avenue North
• From 82nd Avenue North to the north city limits
• Between 62nd Avenue North and 68th Avenue North

From the day after Labor Day through April 30th, surfing is also permitted in Myrtle Beach on the south side of 8th Avenue North, extending to the north end of the public boardwalk.

Surfing Restrictions in the City of North Myrtle Beach

Surfing is always restricted within 300 feet of any pier in North Myrtle Beach. Surfers are required to wear a surfing leash at all times. From May 15th to September 15th, it is unlawful to surf on the public beach or adjacent waters between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., except in the following areas: 

• Between Hog Inlet and 5th Avenue North with the exception of areas near the Cherry Grove Pier 
• Between 6th Avenue South and 27th Avenue South
• Between the Town of Atlantic Beach and 46th Avenue South

Surfing Rules in Surfside Beach 

Surfing in Surfside Beach is never permitted within 300 feet of the fishing pier in any season, and all surfers must wear a leash at all times. Off-season surfing (between September 16th and May 14th) is allowed anywhere along the beach from sunup to sundown. During the peak season (May 15th to September 15th) surfing is permitted in Surfside Beach between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and only in these areas:

• Beginning 270 feet south of 12th Ave. N. and extending northward to 14th Ave. N.
• Beginning 300 feet north of 14th Ave. S. and extending southward to the town limits
• September 16th to May 14th surfing is permitted anywhere along the beach from sunup to sundown.

Rules for Surfing in Horry County/Garden City

Surfing is allowed anywhere along the beaches from sunrise until sunset except for within 75 yards of piers. All surfers must wear a leash at all times while in the water, and leashes cannot be longer than 7 feet. These rules apply to public beaches in these locations:

• Just south of North Myrtle Beach town limits to the Dunes Club
• South of the Springmaid Pier to the town limits of Surfside Beach (includes the Myrtle Beach State Park)

South of Surfside Beach town limits through Garden City Beach to the Georgetown county line.