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Aerial satellite view of Myrtle Beach surf break in South Carolina, South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

Myrtle Beach

33.686, -78.883
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Multi-checkedCross-checked against Surfline and WannaSurf
At a glance
  • Myrtle Beach is a a-frame over beach, short-lived beachbreak peaks, rights and lefts.
  • Beginner to advanced ability, working 2-6 ft.
  • Peak March, April, August, September, October, water 12-28°C.
A-frame · BeachBeginner → Advanced2–6 ftMar – Oct

A long stretch of South Carolina beachbreak that delivers approachable, fun waves when the swell cooperates. S and SE swells are the ticket here, producing the most consistent surf from late summer through early fall, with a secondary window in early spring. 29th Avenue stands out among the many public access points, picking up swell better than most of the beach, especially on a S push. Mid to high tide is the sweet spot, low tide tends to drain the short-lived peaks quickly. Waist-to-overhead is the practical size range. Strong NE and SW winds can fire up rip currents, so be aware of your positioning. Bottom: sand. Season: late summer, fall, spring. Consistency: moderate, swell-dependent. Stay well clear of the piers to avoid tangles with fishing lines and less-than-welcoming rod holders.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Beginner → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Mar – Oct
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F
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A
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S
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Character
Short-lived beachbreak peaks, rights and lefts.

Conditions

When it works
Optimum tide
Mid and high tide
Hazards
Miscellaneous sea creatures in the waterAnd cranky fishermen near the piers.
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
12° to 28°C
Wetsuit
Boardies in summer, 3/2 in winter
What to bring
  • Longboard or funboard for small days 2-3ft
  • Fish or shortboard for waist-to-overhead days
  • SUP works well in the smaller summer surf
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Weekdays are essentially empty. Weekends draw a handful of surfers, with the crowd clustering near the piers and at 29th Avenue. The local vibe is genuinely welcoming, no territorial pressure to navigate. Summer brings restricted surfing zones along parts of the beach, so check local signage before paddling out.

Access & Facilities

Public beach access is abundant along the Myrtle Beach strip, with parking, restrooms, and nearby food and rental shops within easy reach. Water quality is generally clean, though rain-driven runoff can degrade conditions temporarily. Watch for sea creatures in the shallows and fishermen casting from the piers.

Nearby Alternatives

When Myrtle is flat, the broader Grand Strand offers similar beachbreak setups worth checking north and south of town. Garden City and Pawleys Island to the south pick up swell at different angles and can fire when Myrtle is asleep.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Myrtle Beach surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

What you need to know before paddling out at Myrtle Beach

What skill level is Myrtle Beach suited for?
Myrtle Beach is a beach bottom, short-lived beachbreak peaks, rights and lefts, break suited for beginner through advanced surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does Myrtle Beach work best at?
Working size is 2 to 6 ft. Below 2 ft the swell goes flat. Above 6 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach fires from March, April, August, September, October. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Myrtle Beach need?
Myrtle Beach switches on with swells out of the SE to S (135 to 180 degrees).
What are the main hazards at Myrtle Beach?
Main hazards at Myrtle Beach: Miscellaneous sea creatures in the water, and cranky fishermen near the piers..
What type of wave is Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach is a a-frame-breaking wave over beach. Short-lived beachbreak peaks, rights and lefts.

Sources

  • Surfline
  • WannaSurf
Myrtle Beach
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