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Bull Island

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Ideal surf conditions at Bull Island

Swell window
E, ESE, SE, SSE, S
Swell size
3ft - 6ft
Swell breaks over
Sand
Wave types
Beach
Wave directions
Right, Left
Wind window
WNW, NW, NNW
Best tides at
Low, Low to Mid, Mid, Mid to High, High
Skill Level
Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Seasons
Autumn
Board types
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Sup

Bull Island surf guide

Surf: General: Bull Island is an unbelievable wilderness island accessible from the boat launch at Awendaw. Take the trail across the island to the beachfront. At seven miles long, Bull Island is well exposed to all swells, especially from the south and east, and you'll surf completely alone here. There is no camping on the island.

Boneyard Beach, to the north, is a spooky spot where the beach is full of bleached and broken trees left over from Hurricane Hugo. Check it on a northeast windswell. Otherwise, the beachbreak in front of the main trail can work very well on any swell. If you can get out here on a hurricane swell, it will likely be bigger than almost anywhere in the state, and you will have it all to yourself.

Tides: Low to mid at the ends of the island, mid to high at the central beachbreaks. Size: Waist-overhead high Wind: W, NW, N Swell: S, SE Bottom: Sand, some trees. Paddling: Hard NE and SW winds can produce strong currents, but generally pretty mellow. Spot Rating: Scattered peaks, ideal for all types surfers most days. Access: Difficult access -- only by boat. Crowds: Crowd Factor: None. Local Vibe: None. Environment: Pretty clean, although typically cloudy. Hazards: Sharkier than average. Strong currents near the inlets. No one around to help you if you injure yourself so take precaution. Season: Late summer, early fall, early spring.

Written by Joris de Ruiter

Joris is a dad, husband, surfer, software developer, yogi and swimmer. He combines his passion for surfing and technology to help others catch more and better waves.

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