Overview
South End is a fickle right-hand sandspit point at the southern tip of Pawley's Island, breaking over sand. It throws up scattered peaks, but when the sand lines up you can score a long, quality wave, with rights that reform on the inside. It's occasionally hollow and very inconsistent overall, so it rewards patience more than reliability.
When It Works
The break comes alive on east and southeast swells, drawing from northeast through east-southeast to south. It's usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, working as both lefts and rights when the banks cooperate. Late summer, early fall, and early spring tend to be the most productive stretches. Consistency is the catch here: it can go flat or disorganized for long spells, but the good windows are worth waiting for.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest offshore wind, with a workable window through the west and northwest. The point breaks best around mid tide and up into high tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
There's room for everyone from beginners to experts, and the peaks suit anything from a shortboard or fish to a funboard, longboard, or SUP. Expect a moderately busy lineup that can fill with the area's best surfers on good swells, so a little humility and respect go a long way, and don't drop in on the locals. Keep your guard up for stronger-than-average shark activity, jellyfish and bluefish, and strong rips on the outgoing tide. After heavy rain, there can be some runoff pollution.
Access
Plenty of public access leads to the break, with a car park and free parking, though it can fill up on summer days. Restrooms and a surf shop round out the facilities.
