St. Catherines Island surf guide

St. Catherines Island is a secluded spot located off the coast of Georgia. Access to the island is limited as it's owned by the Saint Catherines Island Foundation, and you can only reach it by boat or by walking along the beach below the mean high water line. This isolation keeps the crowds away, making it a peaceful place for surfers looking to escape the busier spots. However, surfing here is pretty sporadic since the Georgia coast is positioned away from the typical surf zones found in the Carolinas and Florida. You’ll need a significant weather event, like a hurricane or nor'easter, to get consistent waves.

When the surf is on, the conditions can handle swell from the East NorthEast, East, East SouthEast, and SouthEast directions, with sizes ranging from about 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet). The waves tend to work best on high tide with preferable wind coming from the West SouthWest, West, or even NorthWest. The bottom is sandy, which is typical for this region. Most of the time, the surf is on the smaller side, generally knee to chest high, making it suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers. Just remember, during major storms, the surf can pick up significantly, creating strong rip currents.

While the surf conditions can be hit or miss, you can use a variety of boards here, from shortboards to fish, funboards, and longboards. The best seasons to hit St. Catherines Island for surf are Autumn and Winter. Just keep an eye on the tides, as only the incoming and dead high tide work well here. The environment is beautiful, but be mindful of the isolation and some hazards like sharks and jellyfish while enjoying your session.