3 Verified Surf Shops

Surf Shops in Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach offers a laid-back alternative to Myrtle Beach's crowds, with three dedicated surf shops serving a tight-knit coastal community. These shops provide essential services for traveling surfers—board rentals, wetsuit gear, and crucial local break knowledge that helps you score the best sandbars along this stretch of South Carolina coast. The town's compact layout means you can easily hit multiple shops to compare rental rates or find specific gear. Beyond surfing, Surfside Beach delivers classic family-friendly beach town amenities: a fishing pier for checking swell and wind, beachfront dining, and affordable accommodations. The shops here cater to both beginners testing the waters and experienced surfers chasing hurricane swells. Staff members typically surf these breaks daily and offer genuine beta on tide timing, seasonal patterns, and where to paddle out safely along the Grand Strand's ever-shifting sandbars.

Back to all South Carolina shops

Why surfers love Surfside Beach

Planning tips before you visit

Surfside Beach offers consistent Atlantic swell, best accessed during the fall and spring shoulder seasons for fewer crowds. Summer months are heavily populated, requiring early morning sessions or late afternoon windows. Local shops often see high demand for rentals during Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends; booking lessons or higher-end board rentals a few days in advance is highly recommended, especially if your group size exceeds two people.

Services & gear you'll find here

The three documented shops in Surfside Beach provide a full spectrum of services essential for visiting surfers. Expect standard rental packages, including foam boards suitable for the gentle break, and basic accessory sales like wax and leashes. Full-service repairs, such as ding fixes, are typically handled in-house or via local partnerships, often requiring a 24-48 hour turnaround. While custom shaping is less common directly on-site, shops often facilitate connections with regional shapers along the Grand Strand for specialized orders.

FAQs about surf shops in Surfside Beach

Parking regulations are strictly enforced, particularly during peak season (May-September). Many public accesses require paid permits or utilize metered spots. Check signage carefully near the main pier area, as restrictions often prohibit parking near high-traffic beach entry zones.

Water temperatures fluctuate significantly. Expect averages in the low 60s Fahrenheit during winter months, requiring a full 4/3mm wetsuit. By mid-summer (July/August), temperatures often reach the upper 80s, where board shorts and rash guards suffice for most sessions.

Yes, most shops servicing Surfside Beach carry stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) for rent, recognizing the calmer conditions often found in the early morning or nearby inlets. These rentals are usually available on a half-day or full-day basis, similar to surfboard rates.