Overview
The Pier is a reasonably consistent but below-average beachbreak at Pawleys Island Pier in South Carolina. It breaks over sand with both lefts and rights, and most of the action is on the south side of the pier.
The waves can be crumbly or dumpy depending on conditions, and rarely get epic, but the right mix can make it pretty good.
When It Works
The Pier is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. It can be rideable up to a bit overhead, but it tends to shut down once the surf gets a foot or two overhead.
It usually does best on south and southeast swells, with southeast swells being especially good when they are more tropical. Powerful northeast swells can occasionally produce long lefts.
Late summer and fall are typically best, while winter and spring can bring decent surf around frontal systems.
Wind and Tide
The cleanest wind direction is west-northwest, with a workable wind window from west to north-northwest.
Mid tide to high tide normally works best, and a rising tide is better. The Pier only really works on a mid to incoming tide.
Local Tips
Crowds are moderate overall, but it can get crowded in summer when there is surf. The lineup is somewhat reserved, so keeping things respectful matters.
It suits a wide range of boards, including shortboards, funboards, longboards, and fish. Beginners, intermediates, and experts can all find something here depending on the day.
Paddling is usually not bad when it is small, but a pumping hurricane swell can take some work. Hazards include sand sharks and bluefish, though attacks have been few, if any.
Access
There is lots of public access.
