Bert's Bar surf guide

Bert's Bar is located at the end of the south causeway on Sullivan's Island, just south of Isle of Palms. This spot has become more known for its kiteboarding due to sand shifts that have made surfing less reliable over time. It can still pick up some swell, especially from the NE and E directions, but its overall surf quality has seen better days. During summer or on big NE swell days, the area tends to get pretty crowded, so expect to see a lot of cars in the parking lot.

The surf at Bert's Bar can handle swell sizes between 3ft (about 0.9m) to 6ft (about 1.8m). You can catch waves breaking over sand, with both left and right opportunities. The best wind direction for getting good waves here is from the WNW to NNW, while mid to high tides are preferable. The area can produce some heavier waves if the conditions align, but don’t expect it to be world-class. It’s manageable for surfers of all levels, from beginners to experts. Just watch out for those strong north currents on bigger swells.

Even though Bert's Bar might not be the hottest surf spot right now, it remains a place where you can enjoy some time in the water, whether you're on a shortboard, funboard, longboard, fish, or even a SUP. Autumn is the season when things can get interesting here, so keep an eye on the conditions if you're in the area.