Savannah offers a unique coastal experience where historic Southern charm meets Atlantic surf culture. While the city itself sits inland along the Savannah River, nearby Tybee Island—just 18 miles east—delivers consistent beach breaks and the region's surf scene. The local surf shop serves as your essential connection to these waves, providing board rentals, gear, and crucial knowledge about Tybee's sandbars, tidal patterns, and seasonal swells. Beyond the surf, Savannah rewards visitors with moss-draped squares, world-class seafood, and walkable historic districts. The shop staff understands both tourist needs and local conditions, making them invaluable for timing your sessions around Georgia's temperamental Atlantic swells. Whether you're catching summer wind swells or autumn hurricane energy, you'll find the expertise and equipment needed to make the most of Savannah's coastal access.
Surfing near Savannah is primarily tide-dependent, often focusing on Tybee Island. Fall offers the most consistent swell windows, though summer sessions are possible with tropical activity. Winter requires thicker neoprene due to cooler Atlantic temperatures. Because the local scene is small, booking lessons or specialized rentals a few days ahead, especially on weekends, is highly recommended to ensure availability from the single documented local outfitter.
The documented local shop typically focuses on essential rentals, including soft-tops suitable for the gentle breaks around Tybee. Full repair services are usually available for dings and minor damage, crucial given the proximity to oyster beds. While custom shaping might be limited or outsourced, expect to find quality wetsuit rentals appropriate for Georgia's variable water temperatures. Ask about package deals that bundle board, wetsuit, and shuttle service to the best local spots.
Tybee Island is the accessible location, specifically near the North Beach area. Waves are generally small and forgiving, ideal for learning. Always check tide charts, as low tide often leaves the area too shallow for safe surfing near the jetties.
While the air is hot, Atlantic water temperatures in July and August still benefit from a 3/2mm full suit for longer sessions, especially if you are new to the water. Shops usually stock 2mm spring suits for very warm days.
No. Savannah surf is characterized by smaller, wind-driven swells, often knee to waist high. Significant groundswells are rare and usually generated by distant tropical systems. Expect more frequent longboarding or SUP conditions.
Savannah offers a unique coastal experience where historic Southern charm meets Atlantic surf culture. While the city itself sits inland along the Savannah River, nearby Tybee Island—just 18 miles east—delivers consistent beach breaks and the region's surf scene. The local surf shop serves as your essential connection to these waves, providing board rentals, gear, and crucial knowledge about Tybee's sandbars, tidal patterns, and seasonal swells. Beyond the surf, Savannah rewards visitors with moss-draped squares, world-class seafood, and walkable historic districts. The shop staff understands both tourist needs and local conditions, making them invaluable for timing your sessions around Georgia's temperamental Atlantic swells. Whether you're catching summer wind swells or autumn hurricane energy, you'll find the expertise and equipment needed to make the most of Savannah's coastal access.