Surfing in Myrtle Beach: Beginner’s Guide
Welcome to the beautiful shores of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where the sun shines bright and the waves beckon surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Myrtle Beach has a vibrant surfing culture, diverse surf spots, and plenty of opportunities to learn.Ocean Creek Resort, located on the Grand Strand, places you right in the heart of all the popular water sports and excitement. Here’s everything you need to know to start your surfing adventure in Myrtle Beach.
Surf Conditions in Myrtle Beach
Photo Credit: Sharkshock
Myrtle Beach isn’t a big-wave destination, but that’s actually a good thing if you’re learning. Most days bring smaller, more forgiving waves that are ideal for beginners getting comfortable popping up and riding whitewater.
Here’s what you’re working with:
- Wave size: Typically 1–3 feet, occasionally bigger with storms
- Wave type: Softer, rolling beach breaks (not steep or fast)
- Bottom: Mostly sandy, which is much more forgiving than reef or rock
- Tides: Can affect wave shape—mid to incoming tide is usually best for beginners
How It Changes by Season
Spring (March–May)
- Consistent small surf, fewer crowds
- Water is still cool (you may want a wetsuit early in the season)
- Great time to learn without the summer crowds
Summer (June–August)
- Warm water, no wetsuit needed
- Waves are usually smaller and slower
- More crowded, but still beginner-friendly—just get out early
- Restrictions in place from 10am - 5pm on where you can surf. More details below.
Fall (September–November)
- Best overall surf conditions
- Occasional swells bring bigger, cleaner waves
- Warm water + fewer crowds = ideal learning window
Winter (December–February)
- Bigger, more powerful waves at times
- Colder water (wetsuit required)
- Better for experienced surfers, but beginners can still go on calmer days
What This Means for Beginners
If it’s your first time, you don’t need perfect surf—you need manageable surf. Myrtle Beach delivers that most of the year. Aim for small, clean days with light wind, and you’ll have a much easier time learning the basics without getting overwhelmed.
Where to Go Surfing in Myrtle Beach
Not every stretch of Myrtle Beach breaks the same—some spots are more beginner-friendly, less crowded, and just easier to learn on than others.
Pier 14
1306 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach
Pier 14 is a popular spot for surfers of all levels. The pier provides a unique break that is great for catching waves, and the area is known for its friendly surfing community. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, you'll enjoy the waves here.
Cherry Grove Pier
3500 N Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach
Cherry Grove Pier is another excellent surfing location. The pier's long history and beautiful surroundings make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The waves here can be a bit more challenging, making it a great spot if you’re looking to improve your skills.
Surfing can really work up an appetite. Grab a bite to eat at The Driftwood Restaurant and Bar at the pier, which serves lunch and dinner. Please call the restaurant directly for the current days & hours of operation, as they change seasonally.
Springmaid Pier
3200 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach
Springmaid Pier is well-known for its consistent waves and picturesque views. It's a fantastic spot for beginners and intermediate surfers. The pier’s location also offers easy access to amenities, making it a convenient choice for a day of surfing.
Myrtle Beach State Park
4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach
The waves at Myrtle Beach State Park are ideal for first time surfers. This location offers beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, and the park provides plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the surf.
North Myrtle Beach
Various Access Points
North Myrtle Beach is a great option if you’re looking to escape the crowds. The surf here is generally mild, making it perfect for beginners. The area also features a number of surf shops and surf schools, making it easy to get started.
Surfside Beach
10th Ave S Beach, Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach offers relatively consistent waves suitable for surfers of all levels. The gentle breaks are perfect if you are just starting out and looking to practice your skills.
Compared to some of the more popular spots in Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach is typically less crowded. This provides surfers more space and less competition for waves, making it an ideal location for beginners who need room to learn.
Surfside Beach is known for its family-friendly environment and offers plenty of amenities, making it a great place for a family day out that includes some surfing.
Myrtle Beach Surf Lessons and Surf Schools
Photo Credit: Elizaveta Galitckaia
Whether you’re a complete novice or looking to refine your skills, Myrtle Beach offers a variety of surf schools and lessons tailored to all levels of experience. Here are some of the top surf schools where you can start your surfing journey.
Jack’s Surf Lessons
- 3200 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
- jackssurflessons.com
Jack’s Surf Lessons offers comprehensive surf instruction for all skill levels. With experienced surf instructors and a focus on safety and fun, Jack’s is a great place to start your surfing journey. Group lessons and private lessons are offered.
Kokopelli Surf Camp
- 3500 N Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- kokopellisurfcamp.com/surf-lessons-myrtle-beach
Kokopelli Surf Camp provides a variety of surf lessons, from group classes to private sessions, and are led by renowned pro surfer Brandon Todd. Their friendly and knowledgeable instructors will help you gain confidence and improve your skills in no time.
Native Surf Lessons Myrtle Beach
- Cherry Grove Pier or 45th Avenue, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- nativesurflessons.com
Native Surf Lessons offers private or group surf instruction tailored to your individual needs. Their professional instructors are passionate about surfing and dedicated to helping you catch your first wave.
Surf City Surf Shop
- 6303 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC
- surfcitysurfshop.com/lessons/surf-lessons
Surf City Surf Shop not only provides top-notch surf gear and rentals, such as surfboards and paddleboards, but also offers group and private lessons for beginners.
Their experienced staff will guide you through the basics and ensure you have a great time learning to surf.
Surf Equipment Rental and Surf Shops in Myrtle Beach
Eternal Wave Surf Shop
- 837 Surfside Drive, Surfside Beach, SC
- eternalwavesurfshop.com
Eternal Wave Surf Shop offers a wide range of skim boards, paddleboards, and surfboard rentals for your on the water adventures. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect board for your skill level and surfing style.
Good Vibes Surf Shop
- 605 Broadway St, Myrtle Beach, SC
- goodvibessurfshop.com
Good Vibes Surf Shop is known for its laid-back atmosphere and wide selection of surf gear. They offer rentals and sales, along with expert advice to get you started on the right foot. Rent a surfboard for 6 hours up to 7 days.
Tsunami Surf Shop
- 3209 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- tsunamisurfshops.com
Tsunami Surf Shop offers a variety of surfing equipment and apparel to purchase at nine locations in Myrtle Beach. From surfboards to wetsuits, they have everything you need to hit the waves with confidence.
What to Know Before You Go: Rules and Safety
Before you paddle out, it’s worth knowing the basics—local rules, beach regulations, and a few key safety tips can make or break your first surf session.
- Area Restrictions: During summer, surfing is restricted from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at select spots in the city limits of Myrtle Beach: between 38th and 44th Avenue North and at 29th Avenue South. For a full list of restricted areas, this city page outlines it clearly. Off-season surfers have much more flexibility, with access to the full beach from sunrise to sunset.
- Pier Safety: While surfing near piers can be thrilling because of the wave breaks, it's important to maintain a safe distance of at least 300 feet from any pier to protect both surfers and fishermen.
- What to Watch For: Beware of strong currents, fishing lines, and structural hazards, like pier pilings, while you're chasing that gnarly wave.
Myrtle Beach Weather and Surf Reports
Before you hit the waves, it’s important to check the weather and surf conditions. Myrtle Beach offers various resources to stay up to date on the latest surf forecasts. Websites like Surfline and Myrtle Beach Surf Report provide detailed forecasts, wave height, and live updates, ensuring you’re prepared for the best surfing experience.
Book an Epic Surfing Adventure
Once you’ve got the basics down, the easiest way to level up your trip is staying somewhere that keeps you close to the water—and makes downtime just as good as your surf sessions.
Ocean Creek Resort, on a quieter stretch near the north end of Myrtle Beach, gives you quick access to less crowded beaches, which is ideal when you’re learning and don’t want to deal with packed lineups. After a session, you’ve got space to rinse off, reset, and actually relax instead of feeling crammed into a standard hotel room.
The resort offers a mix of accommodations, from oceanfront condos with full views of the Atlantic to more tucked-away villa-style units surrounded by greenery. You’ll find one- to three-bedroom layouts with full kitchens, living areas, and enough room to spread out, making it a good fit for both quick surf trips and longer stays.
Book your Ocean Creek Resort surf getaway today!
