The Washout
Edit SpotAbout
Since this is the only relatively consistent break in SC, it is very crowded when decent and out of control during bigger swells. This includes the beach; its like a big stage. Locals are aggressive and will intimidate (not many fights)...I know, I was one of them. Better surfers than you would think.
Atmosphere:
The Washout is located in about a 4 block area with rock groins each block. Waves wedge around the rocks and sandbars are numerous. Also, the beach itself slightly curves back towards the NW through the break and the waves are less likely to close out than other locations.
Additional Info:
Wedgy peaks all over the place. Easy to get out, but can be board-crunching once head+. Watch parking in the sand w/o 4-wheel drive. Recent beach re-nourishment has altered this wave.
Location
Loading...Access
From Charleston, SC, head to Folly Beach. Once there, take a left at the only light, and travel a few miles. When you see all cars on the right and no houses, you're there.
| Walk | Instant access (<5 min) |
|---|---|
| Public access | Yes |
| 4x4 required | Unknown |
| Boat required | Unknown |
Wave Characteristics
| Type | Sandbar |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right and left |
| Bottom | Sandy |
| Power | Fun |
| Frequency | Sometimes breaks (50 days/year) |
| Normal length | Short (<50m) |
| Good day length | Normal (50 to 150m) |
Ideal Conditions
| Wind direction | NorthWest, West, SouthWest |
|---|---|
| Swell direction | South, SouthEast, East |
| Swell size | Less than 3ft - 6ft+ |
| Tide | All tides |
| Tide movement | Rising tide |
Crowd
| Week | Few surfers |
|---|---|
| Weekend | Ultra crowded |
Dangers
Rips / undertow, Man-made danger (buoys etc..), Localism
Videos
None
Nearby spots
2.07 miles away
| Direction: | Left |
| Bottom: | Sandy with rock |
| Frequency: | Regular (100 days/year) |
7.43 miles away
| Direction: | Right and left |
| Bottom: | Sandy |
| Frequency: | Rarely breaks (5 days/year) |