The Pier is a sand-bottomed beachbreak at Pawleys Island in South Carolina, peeling both left and right off the pier. It is a low-quality but reasonably consistent wave in an otherwise wave-starved stretch of coast, and it rarely turns epic, since the continental shelf tends to have its way with these beaches. On the right combination of swell, wind, and tide, though, it can get pretty good. Most of the action concentrates on the south side of the pier.
When It Works
The Pier draws swell from east through south-southeast, and southeast swell brings out its best face, with the more tropical systems the better. Powerful northeast swells can also serve up long lefts when the wind cooperates. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft and shuts down once the surf pushes a foot or two overhead. Waves can be crumbly or dumpy depending on conditions. Autumn is the standout season, with late summer and fall usually best, though winter and spring can deliver decent surf around frontal systems. Paddling out is normally manageable when it is small, but a pumping hurricane swell can take some work.
Wind and Tide
Look for offshore wind from the west-northwest, with a workable wind window running west to north-northwest. The bank needs a mid to high tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
The Pier suits a wide range of surfers, from beginners to experts, and handles everything from shortboards and fish to funboards and longboards. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it is on, especially through the summer months, and an atmosphere that stays somewhat reserved. Keep an eye out for sand sharks and bluefish, though there have been few, if any, attacks.
Access
There is lots of public access along this stretch.
