St. Simons Island is a laid-back, mostly undeveloped spot along the Georgia coast. It's known for its sandy beaches and some workable surf options, although the sandbars can mess up the waves. You'll find a couple of breaks worth trying, with the most consistent spot being the jetty at 5th Street. Access is easy, making it a nice place for locals and visitors to enjoy a day out in the water.
The surf here mainly breaks over sand, handling swell sizes from about 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters). The waves can come from various directions, including East-Northeast, East, Southeast, and South. On its good days, the jetty can provide some fun rights and lefts, especially when there's a strong swell from the East or Southeast. It's best to surf during high tide when the conditions are more favorable, and the preferred wind directions are from North, Northwest, and West, so check the forecast before you head out. This spot is suitable for beginners to experts, but be mindful of strong currents that can develop with harder winds.
Crowds are usually pretty mellow here, making it a nice spot for a low-key session. Just keep an eye out for kids playing in the water during the summer months. The best time to surf is during late summer, early fall, and early spring when swells are more consistent. Whether you’re on a shortboard, funboard, longboard, fish, bodyboard, or SUP, there’s something for everyone on this island, though don't expect it to be a top surf destination.