South End is a surf spot located at the southern tip of Pawley's Island. It's known for its uncrowded waves and scenic beach environment. During the summer months, parking can get pretty full, but you'll often find some nice space to lay your board down. This spot has good public access, making it a convenient choice for surfers looking to catch some waves.
The surf here can be quite variable, working best on east and southeast swells. The waves typically range from waist to overhead high (about 1 to 2 meters) and can reach sizes up to 6 feet (about 1.8 meters). You can expect both lefts and rights, with longer workable rights that reform on the inside being a definite highlight when the sand is right. The waves break over a sand bottom and can be hollow at low tide, though they can be very inconsistent overall. A northwest wind is ideal for cleaning up the conditions. This spot is suited for surfers of all abilities—beginner to expert—so everyone can find something to ride, whether on a shortboard, funboard, longboard, fish, or even SUP.
While the crowd factor can get heavy on good swells with some of the area's best surfers showing up, the local vibe is generally chill most of the time. Just remember to show humility and respect if you're out there, especially on busier days. Also, be aware that strong rips can form on an outgoing tide, and the spot has a reputation for being sharkier than average. South End is best surfed in autumn or during the early spring.
