Learn to surf and ride the waves at Pawleys Island

Surfing is a fun summer activity because it combines the thrill of riding waves with the calming presence of the ocean, offering both excitement and relaxation while fostering a deep connection with nature.

That’s why every summer, dozens of children participate in surf camps on Pawleys Island, recently in the running for the second year as the best beach in South Carolina by USA Today/10 Best.

Surf camps, offered by Surf The Earth, are designed for children aged 7 to 15, but individualized surf lessons are also an option for anyone, at any age, who wants to learn.

While lessons are offered throughout the year, surf camps are only offered in the summer months. Week-long surf camps are held for 12 weeks from May 27 to Aug. 15, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Second Street beach access on Pawleys Island.

Surfing at Pawleys goes way back. In fact, a Pawleys Island Surf Club was established with 13 members in 1966. And Southern Living Magazine certainly thinks Pawleys is a great place for surfers, including it on a list of Top Southern surfing beaches.

Scott Benston, owner of Surf The Earth, which has offered surf camps and surfing lessons on Pawleys Island for the last 23 years, said teaching the next generation about surfing is important.

“We have had thousands of kids come through our surf camps and lessons since 2001,” Benston said. “It is a great way to introduce kids and adults to the ocean and our local beach, meeting other local surfers, and gaining confidence to catch waves.”

He said experienced surfing instructors teach with an emphasis on water safety.

“Surfing students will learn how to respond to rip currents, properly read the surf conditions, and basic water-safety skills,” Benston said.

Learning to surf brings children more than a fun new pastime. “If you’ve always wanted your child to have a strong knowledge and confidence level around the water,” Benston said, surfing can help with that.

Pawleys Island is the perfect place to learn about surfing, he said.

“Pawleys island is a very family-oriented beach,” Benston said. “We typically have gentle forgiving waves that make it easy for beginners.”

Mark A. Stevens, director of tourism development for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, said the history of surfing on Pawleys goes way back.

“There’s a great book called ‘Surfing in South Carolina’ by Lilla O’Brien Folsom and Foster Folsom that came out a few years ago, and it really showed how surfing wasn’t just something they do in California and Hawaii,” Stevens said. “The entire coast of South Carolina calls out to people to ride the waves.

“Pawleys Island is prominently featured in the book, and it’s fun to look back at how surfing became big on Pawleys back in the 1960s. Of course, it continues to be something that brings people to Pawleys today.”

For beginners who want to learn how to surf, it’s important to take lessons from experienced instructors. “It not only accelerates your learning curve,” Stevens said, “but it also enhances your enjoyment of surfing by ensuring that you learn in a safe, effective, and enjoyable manner.”

Surf camps

The cost of surf camp is $350-$400 per child per week, depending on the week. Along with basic surfing skills, they teach water safety, understanding ocean conditions, and information on choosing the right equipment for their skill level.

“Some of the key skills the surfers leave with are the ability to read and understand conditions, choosing the right equipment, and proper technique,” Benston said. “Also, the kids learn a familiarity with our local beach, meeting other local surfers, and confidence in catching waves.”

Surf lessons

Two-hour surfing lessons are offered throughout the year from 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. during the week.

The cost is $75 per lesson for one student, $120 per lesson for two students, and $180 per lesson for three students.

Most lessons take place at the Second Street beach access, toward the north end of Pawleys Island. But, Benston said, special locations can be arranged in advance.

“Our fun and experienced surf instructors are ready to show you the easy road to learning or improving your surfing skills,” Benston said. “You are never too old to learn, or too young to try!”

For more information, click here.

By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce