Charleston surfers are eagerly awaiting the swell brought on by Hurricane Erin, which has created rare and powerful conditions along Lowcountry beaches. With wave heights expected to reach up to eight feet tomorrow evening, both experienced and novice surfers are urged to take proper precautions before hitting the waves.
Hurricane Erin Creates Big Waves for Lowcountry Surfers
According to Surfline, the forecast for tomorrow evening predicts overhead waves that can be challenging even for seasoned Charleston surfers. The conditions are a result of Hurricane Erin, a Category 2 storm currently sitting 500 miles offshore in the Atlantic. The storm’s winds are pushing massive amounts of water toward the coast, creating long-period ground swells that are impacting local beaches.
Jed Christoph from Storm Team 2 explains, “It is all pushing water in our direction, and it just adds up over time and distance, and then you get these long-period ground swells, which are what is impacting our beaches right now.”
Staying Safe in the Ocean
Given the rare conditions and powerful waves, local experts are stressing the importance of safety before entering the water.
Michael Bradley, Parks Manager of Folly Beach, advises beachgoers and surfers to assess the conditions carefully before heading into the surf. “It’s crucial to check wave size, frequency, how they break, and any potential currents or objects in the water,” he said. He also emphasizes the importance of knowing one’s skill level and respecting the ocean’s power.
While the swell is exciting for experienced surfers, Bradley warns that it’s easy to push one’s limits. “We know that these big waves are bringing out a lot of surfers to push their boundaries on bigger surf than they are used to, but people need to be mindful of their skill level,” he said.
To stay safe, surfers should always have a buddy, wear a leash, and be mindful of other water users. Rip currents, common with these larger swells, pose an additional danger. Christoph urges caution, stating, “When in doubt, don’t go out,” and advising inexperienced swimmers to stay on land, especially if they’re unfamiliar with how to handle rip currents.
What Surfers Are Saying
The swell is attracting surfers from all over, including those who have been following the storm’s progress for days. Jacob Waldman, a surfer from Rock Hill, South Carolina, shared his excitement, saying, “I’ve been surfing since I was nine, and I heard there was a hurricane coming, so we checked the surf report and came out here. The currents are strong, and it’s getting a little heavier, but it’s a fun time.”
Hunter Pierce, a longtime local surfer, echoed the enthusiasm, saying, “I’ve been here chasing hurricane swells since ‘94, and it’s the best part of the year.” However, James Sturkie noted that the currents have made the waves a bit more challenging: “The currents are really strong and causing the waves to fold out, but it’s still fun to catch.”
What to Expect Over the Next Few Days
The swell will continue to grow over the next few days. On Tuesday, some spots on Folly Beach are expected to see swells of 3 to 6 feet, with waves possibly reaching 6 to 8 feet on Wednesday. For those who are less experienced or new to surfing, Christoph advises waiting until Thursday evening or Friday, when the swell is expected to decrease.
“It’s pretty unbelievable. I haven’t seen a forecast like that since probably 2019, Hurricane Dorian,” Christoph remarked, highlighting the rarity and strength of this event.
Surfer’s Responsibility and Risk
While the conditions are ideal for experienced surfers, they come with risks. Surfers are advised to proceed with caution, as the swell from Hurricane Erin creates dangerous but exhilarating conditions. It’s a reminder that safety must remain a priority, no matter how enticing the surf.
