Can you surf on Isle of Palms?

We get this question a lot. Are there other surfing options in South Carolina outside of Folly Beach? There are a lot of options, but the quality of wave can drop off significantly once you leave Folly Beach. In this post we will explore Isle of Palms as a viable surfing option and possibly a better fit for your life and surfing goals. 

A beautiful sunrise on IOP with one other surfer out!

Are there waves on IOP?

Yes! There are consistent waves on Isle of Palms that make it a great option for surfing in the Charleston area and possibly much more convenient of you depending on where you live. Generally, whenever the waves are fun on Folly they will also be fun at IOP. IOP faces a little more south than Folly Beach which means it picks up even less swell when there is any north direction in it, but that is sort of irrelevant as Folly struggles to draw in these swells as well. 

What are the crowds like?

While the crowd has picked up some in recent years, you will find a much more spread out crowd when compared to Folly. There are a few spots on IOP that are considered better and draw more crowds, but nothing like the Washout or the Pier on Folly Beach. If you would prefer to surf alone we would recommend seeking out a quiet sand bar on Isle of Palms. While this is still possible at Folly, it’s a little easier at IOP. You definitely feel more breathing room out there.

What is the best time of year to surf on Isle of Palms?

If you are a new surfer or a beginner we highly recommend taking advantage of perfect summer waves to hone your skills and up your comfort level in the ocean. However, if you are intermediate or advanced we recommend targeting late summer and early fall as the best window to get some really fun tropical storm or hurricane swell. 

Does Isla Surf School teach lessons on IOP?

Yes! We have a location at 8th Avenue on Isle of Palms where we teach private surf lessons and offer a mini surf camp during the summer months. The quality, safety, and fun lessons we are known for on Folly are also available here! Check out some details HERE.

Summer surf lessons, does it get any better?

Is Folly Beach a better surfing beach than IOP?

It depends on what you want! There is great surf on Isle of Palms and we have had plenty of epic days out there, but we are still partial to Folly Beach as we’ve been located there for ten years and have too many good memories. We highly recommend IOP to anyone who lives north of the Ravanel Bridge, want a change of scenery, and value a thinner line up. But if you want to be part of the action and the pinnacle of surfing in South Carolina, Folly Beach is the place for you. As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions. We are here to help make your surfing experience as fun as it can be!

Lessons can be scheduled through our website or call us at 843 813 7897 and we can get you set up!