The Washout surf guide

The Washout is a well-known surf spot located at Folly Beach, South Carolina. This area is famous for its stretch of jettied beachbreak that appeals to a wide range of surfers. The beach is lined with a number of jetties, which, despite their questionable effectiveness at actually protecting the coastline, create various peaks along the shore. Accessing The Washout is straightforward; just take Highway 17 south from Charleston and then switch to Highway 171 to reach the beach area. Parking can be tricky in the summer, as paid spots fill up quickly.

The surf at The Washout can be quite powerful and generally handles swell sizes ranging from 3 to 7 feet (approximately 1 to 2.1 meters). It works best with a northeasterly swell, but southern and eastern swells can also produce decent waves. Most days, you’ll find fun, scattered peaks that break left and right, making it suitable for all surfers from beginners to experts. The best tides to hit are low, mid, or high, but the waves can change in quality depending on the exact conditions. Be ready for a bit of a workout, as paddling can be challenging with hard northeast and southwest winds creating strong currents.

While The Washout is typically manageable in terms of crowds, you can expect it to get busy, especially during the summer months. Luckily, localism isn't a huge issue here, but if the surf is good, it might be wise to be somewhat proficient before dropping in. You might also want to watch out for scattered groins and rocks that can be hazards when you're out there. The spot is ideal for various board types, including shortboards, longboards, funboards, and fishes, so there's something for everyone to enjoy!