Kiawah Island/Seabrook Island is a pair of exclusive residential and resort beaches just south of Charleston, breaking over sand into scattered peaks with both rights and lefts. It suits most types of surfer on most days, though the waves here rate below average overall. Sandy Point, on the north end, is the standout: it can peel long lefts when the sandbars line up on a big swell, and it stays protected from northeast winds, though it runs considerably smaller than Folly on the same day.
When It Works
The beaches draw swell from east-southeast through south, with a strong south swell the best match for surf. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft, roughly waist- to overhead-high. Autumn is the prime window, though late summer and early spring can also turn something on.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest offshore wind, with a workable wind window running from northwest to north. The banks break best from mid to high tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call. Hard northeast and southwest winds can stir up strong currents, but paddling out is usually pretty mellow.
Local Tips
Scattered peaks make this a forgiving spot for beginners through to more experienced surfers, and it handles everything from shortboards and funboards to longboards and SUPs. Expect a fairly quiet lineup that can feel a little reserved.
Access
These are private developments with limited public access, so if you're staying here you can surf anywhere along the beach. Otherwise, reach Kiawah's beach through Beachwalker County Park near the Fresh Fields shopping center; getting to Sandy Point means going by boat. Watch for runoff pollution after heavy rain, along with the usual miscellaneous sea creatures.
