Surf Lessons on Folly Beach: Learn to Ride Waves

Go from beginner to standing on a wave in a single lesson

A 90-minute surf lesson on Folly Beach taught by a local pro who focuses on technique, not just getting you wet. You start with land instruction on the pop-up and stance, then move into the water for personalized coaching on paddling, wave selection, timing and surf etiquette. All equipment (board and wetsuit) is provided. Children from age 5 are welcome.

The experience

The lesson opens on the sand with ten minutes of fundamentals: water entry, safety, and the pop-up motion you'll repeat until it becomes automatic. Kyle Busey, a Charleston local and pro surfer, walks you through the mechanics on dry ground so you understand the movement before the ocean adds variables. Only then do you enter the water, where the real work begins.

Once in the water, the instruction shifts to reading waves. You'll learn paddling technique, how to spot a wave worth catching, where to position yourself on the board, and how to time your pop-up to the swell. The lesson covers wave physics and surf etiquette: the unwritten rules that keep the lineup safe and respectful. Busey adjusts the focus to what each person needs. Some lessons emphasize balance, others timing or paddle power. The goal is not just to get you standing, but to give you the skills to keep improving on your own.

Bring only what you'd normally wear to the beach. The school provides the surfboard, wetsuit and all other gear. The lesson runs 90 minutes total, which gives you time to move past the first-timer wobble and start feeling the rhythm of the ocean. Folly Beach is accessible by public transit if you're staying elsewhere in Charleston, and the lesson spot is easy to reach.

What’s included

• Surf instruction from a pro instructor.
• surfboard and wetsuit.
• personalized coaching on paddling, wave selection, timing and surf etiquette.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to15h before

AgesAdult (16 to 49 years) · Senior (50 and older) · Youth (10 to 15 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Carolina Salt

Is this one for you?The lesson meets right on Folly Beach and is reachable by public transit, so you don't need a car or a ride to get there. Just show up and start learning. The 90-minute format fits into a half-day itinerary, leaving the rest of your day free to explore Charleston.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 15 years); Child (5 to 9 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens in the first part of the lesson before I get in the water?

The first ten minutes cover water entry, safety protocols, and land drills focused on the pop-up: the motion of going from lying down to standing on the board. You'll practice the stance and movement on the sand until it feels natural, so when you paddle out, your body already knows what to do.

Will I actually stand up and ride a wave on my first try?

Yes. The land instruction and personalized coaching in the water are designed so that within the 90 minutes, you move from complete beginner to riding waves. The progression is fast because the teaching cuts out the guesswork.

What's included in the lesson, and do I need to bring my own board or wetsuit?

Surf instruction and all equipment are included: surfboard, wetsuit, and everything else you need. Just show up in beach clothes and bring yourself. The school provides the rest.

Can I get to Folly Beach without a car?

Yes. Public transportation options run to Folly Beach, and the lesson location is accessible by transit. If you're staying in Charleston without a rental, you can reach the beach easily.