The Washout
The Washout earned its name from a section of road that eroded away years ago—and earned its reputation from the quality sandbars that formed in its wake. This local favorite sits at the east end of Folly Beach, away from the pier crowds, where dedicated Charleston surfers gather for dawn patrols and post-work sessions. The wave itself is typical East Coast beach break, but the tight-knit community and consistent sandbars make it feel like something more. Free parking and a less touristy vibe cement The Washout as the locals' choice on Folly.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (130°)
- Direction range
- 90° - 170°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Offshore range
- 280° - 350°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
21°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Free parking at end of East Ashley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is The Washout?
The Washout is a beach break in Folly Beach, USA, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at The Washout?
The Washout picks up swell from the E round to the S, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SE. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.5 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at The Washout?
A NW wind is dead offshore at The Washout, and anything from the W round to the N keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at The Washout?
The Washout is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf The Washout?
The most reliable run of swell at The Washout comes Sep to Mar. There's a second window in Aug too. Hurricane season best. Named for eroded section.
How cold is the water at The Washout?
The water at The Washout averages around 21°C, so you'll want a springsuit or 2mm. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is The Washout good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. It gets busy (crowd 8/10), so mind the pecking order. Popular local spot.
How do I get to The Washout?
The nearest airport on our list is CHS, then it's roughly a 30-minute drive. Free parking at end of East Ashley.
What other surf spots are near The Washout?
The closest breaks we track are Folly Beach Pier (1.3 km), handy when The Washout isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Aug
Hurricane season best. Named for eroded section.