Overview
South Jetty sits beside a jetty near Pawley's Island, with scattered peaks breaking to the north and south of the structure over a sandy bottom. It suits all types of surfers most days and can be better than the surrounding beachbreaks.
When It Works
The spot draws swell from east through south-southeast (E-SSE), and it can get pretty fun on an east-southeast hurricane swell. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft, peeling both rights and lefts off the jetty. Autumn is the prime window, with late summer, early fall, and early spring all worth a look.
Wind and Tide
Look for west-northwest (WNW) offshore wind, with a workable wind window running from west to north-northwest (W-NNW). It breaks best from mid to high tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call. Hard northeast and southwest winds can stir up strong currents, though the paddle is usually pretty mellow.
Local Tips
Scattered peaks make it approachable for beginners through to experts, and it takes just about any board, from shortboards and fish to funboards, longboards, and SUPs. Expect a moderately busy lineup on good days with a somewhat reserved feel, so be polite in the water. Keep an eye out for rocks and the odd sea creature, and note that heavy rain can bring some runoff pollution.
Access
There's plenty of public access, including a small public parking area right after the Pawley's Island beach road cuts toward the beach.
