13th ave south surfside

13th Ave South is a beachbreak in Surfside Beach on the South Carolina coast, just south of Myrtle Beach. It’s a fairly exposed Atlantic Ocean spot that can pick up short-period swell from the east and southeast, with the best surf usually showing on fall, winter, and spring groundswell events.

What the waves are like

• Wave type: Beachbreak
• Typical shape: Often soft and quick, with occasional cleaner peaks when the sandbars line up
• Wave quality: Can be fun, but usually not highly consistent
• Best size range: Small-to-medium surf tends to be the most manageable; larger swells can get messy or close out
• Best conditions: Offshore or light NW/WNW winds are usually best, especially when the sand is working well

Conditions and tides

• Tide sensitivity: Moderately tide-dependent
• Low tide: Can be punchier but sometimes fast and sectiony
• Mid tide: Often the best balance
• High tide: Can become softer and weaker, though sometimes cleaner

Crowd and vibe

• Crowd level: Can be crowded during good surf, especially because it’s a convenient local access point
• Atmosphere: Local, casual, and beach-town oriented
• Skill level: Suitable for beginners on smaller days, but more experienced surfers will get the most out of cleaner, bigger swells

Hazards and notes

• Sandbars shift frequently, so the peak location can change
• Rip currents can be strong, especially on bigger or rougher days
• Piers and jetties nearby in the greater Myrtle/Surfside area can affect currents and sand movement depending on the setup
• Like many East Coast beachbreaks, it can go from fun to unruly very quickly

Best use

This is a good spot for: - Local surfers looking for a quick session - Beginners on small, mellow days - Shortboarders and funboarders when a clean peak forms - Travelers staying in Surfside or Myrtle Beach who want an accessible surf check