Learn to Surf in Myrtle Beach

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Surfing is one of the few sports you can only do at the beach. Visitors may come to the Grand Strand already knowing how to swim, how to play golf or how to fish, but there’s no way of learning how to surf before you get to the beach. Vacationers have a very short window to learn and master the unique craft of surfing during their time at the beach, so a crash course is the way to go if you want to enjoy your limited time with access to waves.

For those interested in scratching surfing off their bucket lists, Myrtle Beach has an abundance of surfing camps and clinics that can have you up and hanging ten in no time. Trained instructors take you through every step of the process, from learning to stand up on your board while it’s still on dry land to putting it into practice in the water. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you are on your way to a vacation filled with surfing. Who knows, you might even decide to stay in Myrtle Beach and become a full-time beach bum.

Because the city limits of Myrtle Beach contain more hotels and tourists along the oceanfront, there are designated surf zones where surfers are allowed, and places where there is no surfing during the summer months. Those laws send many surfers and surf camps to other, less populated areas of the Grand Strand, so this may be a good chance to check out surfing towns like North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach. Here are some of the top surfing camps and clinics offered on the Grand Strand:

  • Eternal Wave Surf Shop: This locally owned and operated surf shop in Surfside Beach also offers surf lessons with expert instruction. In addition to renting surfboards, paddleboards, bikes and more, Eternal Wave also helps patrons learn how to use their gear with one-on-one instruction. With lessons starting at $45 per hour, this is one of the most affordable individual instructional sessions on the Strand.
  • Jack’s Surf School: Located in Myrtle Beach, this outfit is the local authority of surf instruction. Offering individual lessons as well as weekly surf camps, Jack’s has a reputation for getting you up on the board and teaching you to walk on water. Private lessons can be scheduled individually, but the camps are held on the beach with dozens of students and experienced instructors.
  • Kokopelli Surf Camp: Named for the Hopi Indian fertility god, this outfitter has given birth to the surfing passions of hundreds of students over the years. Located at the Prince Resort in the Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach, Kokopelli offers individual and group instruction in surfing, paddleboarding and other watersports.  Can’t make it to North Myrtle Beach? No problem. Schedule an appointment for an instructor to come to you.
  • Surf City Surf Shop: For nearly 40 years this downtown Myrtle Beach watersports store has provided the equipment needs of local and visiting surfers, as well as teaching the basics. Certified instructors offer hands-on lessons to help you experience the thrill of riding the waves. This is also a popular hangout and shop for local surfers with knowledge about the Grand Strand scene. Not only can you pick up tips on how to surf, but also where and when.
  • Village Surf Shop:  This Garden City Beach shop has been teaching folks to surf for more than 35 years, and they have the hardware to prove it. Cam Richards, the son of owner and renowned local surfer Kelly Richards, is a national champion who grew up riding the waves of Garden City Beach. This outfit has the local experience and a proven track record to get you and your crew up on their boards.

 

(Posted: 6/12/15)