First we said there were waves in Florida and now in South Carolina?! If you have been reading our Surf Guide and Surf Science series, then you already know that the East Coast of the United States can get some pretty solid swell produced by hurricanes. Lucky for y’all we chatted with South Carolina native and Brand Ambassador Kate Dittloff and got the inside scoop about her home break, Folly Beach.
Surf Guide: Folly Beach, South Carolina
Hey Y’all! My name is Kate Dittloff, I’ve been living in Charleston, South Carolina for eight years and I surf the South Carolina coast every chance I get. I was born in the mountains of South Carolina, lived all over including Puerto Rico for seven years before finally settling down here in the Lowcountry. I spend most of my time exploring the area both on the water and on land. I love to surf, paddle in the waves and creeks, trail run, sail competitively and serve as chair for the Charleston Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. Basically if it is something fun in nature, count me in! My love for surfing was born here in Charleston when I caught my first wave on my first longboard, and my love has only grown for surfing the more I do it. I’ve been surfing in Hawaii, Costa Rica, the Virgin Islands, New York and my personal favorite, Puerto Rico. I can’t imagine my life without it. So welcome to Charleston, I hope you have as much fun here as I do!
Location: Charleston, S.C.
Where to surf: The surfing mecca of South Carolina is Folly Beach, it’s a beach break and a great place to learn to surf. With a varied coastline and several jetties, there are a ton of different wave options up and down the beach suited for every level of surfer and any type of board, so don’t be afraid to just park and head out to the water. Folly’s waves range from tiny ankle biters to 10 feet high on a good hurricane swell. The best season to surf is hurricane season (late summer), early fall and early spring and the best tide is mid to high tide. I find that on a typical day dawn patrol is your best bet because afternoon winds tend to pick up and blow the surf out, plus you beat the crowds especially in the summer. Be sure to check the swell report and cameras before you go out, but don’t rely on them 100%. More than once it’s been predicted flat and looks flat on the camera, but once out there, there are super fun long lines. Oh and there is plenty of sea life in the area, from jellyfish that show up at the start of summer and stay until “the jellyfish invasion” in August, to sharks and dolphins, be aware of your surroundings and be sure to respect the ocean as well.
Crowd Factor: The most popular and arguably best spot to surf on Folly is the Washout, a long stretch of beach break that on the right swell can have a lot of power with waves overhead, it’s where you’ll find some of the area’s best surfers. It’s also one of the most crowded breaks on the beach. It’s a great spot to sit and watch surfers rip it up and even get involved if you are an advanced surfer, otherwise head to one of the many other peaks up and down the beach where you’ll find plenty of space and new friends to share waves with. Summertime is the busy season for Folly so the beaches and waves are much more crowded, winter is a wonderful time to be on the water because often you are the only one out there getting some fun rides. Either way, be sure to be mindful of other surfers in the water and respect the rules of the waves.
How to get there/Where to stay: There is only one way on to Folly and one way off, via Folly Road, it will take you right to the center of the island. Once you get there, there are a few options as far as where to stay. The largest hotel is called Tides Folly Beach, it’s located right on the water and has a great restaurant that serves sustainable seafood. You can also check out the Holliday Inn of Folly Beach, a little hotel right across the street from the beach that’s been there forever, or one of many bed and breakfast options. Definitely book early if you plan to visit in the spring/summer/fall because Folly is a hot spot!
Water temp: Water temperature on Folly varies depending on the time of year. In the winter temperatures can drop as low as 45 degrees but average around 50-55 degrees, so definitely bring a wetsuit if you visit then. Spring water temperatures are more temperate ranging from around 60-70 so perfect for a spring suit or jacket. If you plan to surf in the summer all you will need is your MI OLA bikini, the water is HOT! Sort of like bathwater! Fall temperatures vary as well with early fall being quite comfortable to late fall getting pretty chilly. Be sure to pay attention to the air temperatures and wind because that will make all the difference when you decide what to wear on the water.
Other Activities: There are a ton of fun activities to do on Folly when there isn’t surf. The ocean is a great place to paddleboard and kayak as is the Folly River and surrounding creeks and marshes. You will definitely see dolphins, and may even catch them strand feeding which is only seen in South Carolina and Georgia! The Folly Pier is perfect for catching some fish and making some new friends, or grab your group for a game of sand volleyball or bocce ball. Late spring and early summer sea turtles start to nest on our beaches and early fall the nests start to hatch, so if you are out and about early morning or in the evening keep an eye out for those mamas laying their nest. You’ll also want to head to either end of the island for some beautiful scenery and nature. On the North End of the island you’ll see the iconic Morris Island Lighthouse, on the South End you’ll find the Folly Beach County Park where you can park and explore the beach and marshes. One of my personal favorite activities is walking the beach and picking up any trash you see. Every little bit makes a difference and you’ll likely find some pretty shells and shark teeth!
Apres surf: There are SO many great options out on Folly after a surf session. Some of the best food on the island can be found at Jack of Cups, Chico Feo and Lost Dog Café. All three have fantastic service, a super low-key crowd, and amazing food! Jack of Cups has super diverse food, but with an asian/indian influence, like red curry mac and cheese, black bean curry nachos and crab and pineapple wontons. Lost Dog serves breakfast and lunch options like bagel sandwiches, french toast, crab cake Benedict, biscuits and gravy, amazing salads. Chico Feo is super laid back vibe with seafood options like mahi tacos, curried goat, chicken tacos, Hawaiian poke, fresh local catch.
If you want to get some drinks on the beach then head to BLU at the Tides Hotel. They have delicious beverages, and a great view of the pier and ocean. If you need to hit-up a local surf shop then head to McKevlin’s Surf Shop and Ocean Surf Shop. Both have everything you could need for a surf session and the crews that work there are super friendly and super cool. Some of the best surfers and people you’ll run into!