Folly Beach Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, it’s Rusty here. Let’s cut through the noise and talk about the next couple of weeks. I’ve got the full picture laid out for you, and I’m not gonna sugarcoat it: it’s a slow start, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel that might just be worth the wait.

Right now, and for the next week and a half, we’re looking at a whole lot of nothing at Folly Beach Pier. It’s that kind of stretch where you’re better off tuning the board or cleaning the wax off your car. We're talking tiny, weak surf – nothing over a foot or so, with periods that are all over the shop, from 4 seconds up to 12. There’s a brief bump on the 15th where the swell energy gets moderate (113), and the wave height pushes to just over 4 feet, but it’s coming with a fresh cross-shore wind that’ll chop it all to bits. Not worth getting wet for.

We’ve got a couple of mornings with clean, glassy conditions, like the morning of the 14th, but there’s simply no swell to go with it. It’s a classic case of the ocean looking pretty but having no punch. This quiet spell runs right through to the 22nd. You’re looking at a solid ten days of not much more than knee-to-waist-high slop. For the surfers who just need a fix, you can go get your toes wet, but you won't be getting any rides worth telling your mates about.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Keep your eye on the morning of September 23rd. That’s the day the ocean finally wakes up. The swell builds to a solid chest-high plus, with an easterly-southeast direction, and the energy in the water jumps into the strong territory (432). We’re looking at clean conditions with a gentle cross-offshore breeze, which is exactly what this beach/pier setup needs. This is the standout window. The swell is pushing 6 feet, so it’s not for the groms, but it’s a proper surf.

The pattern holds into the 24th, but it gets bigger and messier. The swell peaks out over 7 feet and the energy is well into the very strong range (965 to 1134). The period stretches out to 10-11 seconds, which means more power and longer waits between sets. It’s still a decent wave, but the conditions get a bit more questionable as the wind swings around. It’s not the same clean, groomed lines as the 23rd. That Thursday is for the experienced crew who don’t mind a bit of a battle.

Beyond that, into the 25th and 26th, the swell starts to ease off slowly, but it stays rideable. The morning of the 25th still has some size – around 6 feet – and the energy is still strong (508), but it’s not as clean. By the 27th we’re back to a more junky, cross-onshore chop that’ll have you fighting for a decent face.

So, here’s the deal. Don't waste your energy this week. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so only a thin wetsuit is needed. Ride the static, fix the dings, and save your energy for that Wednesday morning on the 23rd. That’s the one. It won't be perfect, but it’s the best on offer, and trust me, after this flat spell, a solid head-high wave with clean conditions will feel like a gift from the surf gods.

Rusty out.

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