Dewees Island is one of those South Carolina spots that’s a bit off the beaten path. Since there’s no bridge, you can only get there by boat or ferry. It’s not as popular as the Isle of Palms, so if you can access that, you might prefer it over Dewees. But if you're on the island itself, you'll find a long stretch of beachbreak that can be fun to explore.
The surf here isn’t always consistent, and you can expect waist-overhead high waves (around 1 to 2 meters). The swells can come from various directions including East, East-Southeast, Southeast, and South-Southwest, and they handle sizes from about 3 to 6 feet (around 0.9 to 1.8 meters). The waves generally break over sand, offering both lefts and rights. When it comes to wind, it's best with a West or Northwest breeze. Tides play a role too, as low to mid tides work best here. This spot can cater to all levels from beginners to experts, and whether you ride a shortboard, funboard, longboard, fish, or even a stand-up paddleboard, there’s something for everyone.
Access to the waves can be a bit tricky since you need to paddle out from the beach, and there can be strong currents during northeast and southwest winds. However, on most days, the water is pretty mellow. There’s no crowd to contend with, which means you can enjoy your session in peace. Just keep an eye out for miscellaneous sea creatures while you’re out there. The surf season is best in late summer, early fall, and early spring, so plan your visit accordingly.