Back in the 1960s, surfing swept across the United States. A sport with ancient Polynesian roots became a full-blown American obsession, and folks everywhere wanted to paddle out and try it for themselves. Here in Folly Beach, we caught that wave early and were among the first towns on the East Coast to embrace the surfing craze. Decades later, the surf culture still shapes the personality and rhythm of our little island. Come feel it for yourself. Explore the surf shops in Folly Beach, gear up with a board and wetsuit, and learn the ropes with a lesson before you head out. Stay with Charleston Coast Vacations and walk straight from your door to the sand in one of our Folly Beach vacation rentals.
Folly Beach Surf Shops
McKevlin’s Surf Shop
McKevlin’s is more than a surf shop. It’s a piece of Folly Beach history. As some of the area’s first surf pioneers, the McKevlin family saw that Folly needed a place where surfers could gear up and gather, and they built one. More than 60 years later, the family still owns the shop, stocking hundreds of new and used shortboards, mid-lengths, and longboards. Stop in during your stay to browse the boards, apparel, wetsuits, and accessories. Support one of the oldest family-owned surf shops on the East Coast.
Ocean Surf Shop
Just up Center Street, Ocean Surf Shop brings the same local, surfer-run spirit. It’s owned and operated by a team of surfers, so you can trust that every board, wetsuit, and accessory on the racks was chosen with surfers in mind. Browse the surfboards, wetsuits, apparel, accessories, and shoes, and if you’re new to the sport, ask about their rentals.
Folly Beach Surf Schools & Lessons
Carolina Salt
As one of the top surf schools in South Carolina, Carolina Salt is an excellent choice for surf lessons in Folly Beach. Join a public lesson and learn alongside other surfers, book a private session for a more personalized experience, or take the Surf with the Pros lesson with Kyle Busey.
Isla Surf School
Isla Surf School is your one-stop destination for surf lessons, surf camps, and surfboard rentals on the island. Learn how to surf for the first time or improve your skills with one of their private, semi-private, or group surf lessons.
Shaka Surf School
The team at Shaka Surf School brings 20 years of competitive surfing experience to every lesson. Choose a private or group session and cover the essentials: reading techniques, waxing your board, paddling, catching waves, understanding ocean currents, and staying safe in the water. Shaka is also one of the few schools in town offering advanced coaching, so intermediate and seasoned surfers have somewhere to level up too.
Folly Beach Surf Spots
Folly Beach has long been one of the best places to surf in South Carolina. If you’re just starting out, a lesson and guidance from a local instructor are the best place to begin. Once you’ve got the basics, paddle out at local favorites like the Folly Beach Pier and Tenth Street, or seek out stronger conditions at the Washout. Whether you’re after gentle, beginner-friendly waves or something more challenging, you’ll find it here.
Before You Paddle Out
Folly Beach conditions can change quickly with wind, tide, and swell. Check the daily Folly Beach surf report, posted rules, lifeguard guidances and beach conditions before heading out. And remember to stay clear of jetties, be mindful of currents, and never surf alone in unfamiliar conditions.
Stay in Folly Beach Vacation Rentals
Book your getaway with Charleston Coast Vacations and stay close to some of the best surfing spots and shops in Folly Beach. Gear up for the day from one of our rental companies or bring your own equipment and start riding the waves the moment you arrive. Check out our selection of vacation rentals on Folly Beach and book with us today!