Bull Island Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
S, SE
Wind
W, NW, N
Surf Height
Waist-overhead high
Tide
Low to mid at the ends of the island, mid to high at the central beachbreaks.
Bull Island Surf Guide
Bull Island is an unbelievable wilderness island accessible from the boat launch at Awendaw. Take the trail across the island to the beachfront. At seven miles long, Bull Island is well exposed to all swells, especially from the south and east, and you'll surf completely alone here. There is no camping on the island.Boneyard Beach, to the north, is a spooky spot where the beach is full of bleached and broken trees left over from Hurricane Hugo. Check it on a northeast windswell. Otherwise, the beachbreak in front of the main trail can work very well on any swell. If you can get out here on a hurricane swell, it will likely be bigger than almost anywhere in the state, and you will have it all to yourself.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Intermediate to advanced. Get hurt out here, and it's a long way from home.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
None.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
None.
Spot Rating
Poor
Scattered peaks, ideal for all types surfers most days.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Hard NE and SW winds can produce strong currents, but generally pretty mellow.
Water Quality
Clean
Pretty clean, although typically cloudy.
Hazards
Sharkier than average. Strong currents near the inlets. No one around to help you if you injure yourself so take precaution.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, SUP
Access
Difficult access -- only by boat.
Bottom
Sand, some trees.
Best Season
Late summer, early fall, early spring.
Do you have local knowledge about Bull Island?
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