5 Best Places to Paddle Board in Folly Beach, SC

Welcome to Folly Beach, South Carolina’s hidden gem.

Have you considered gliding alongside playful dolphins and stunning shorelines?

Discover the best places to paddle board in Folly Beach with us.

Embrace the adventure, and let’s soak in the beauty of this coastal paradise. Are you on board?

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Planning Your Paddle in Folly Beach

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from February through December. July is the warmest month, averaging 86 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.

Where to Paddle Board in Folly Beach

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Folly Beach County Park

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Folly Beach County Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents, afternoon winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, various seabirds
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Folly Beach Pier, Morris Island Lighthouse
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution during peak tourist seasons, respect local regulations

Folly Beach County Park is a pristine oceanfront location perfect for paddleboarding. Stunning views of Folly Beach Pier and Morris Island Lighthouse create a picturesque backdrop for a memorable paddling adventure.

While paddling, keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles swimming nearby.

#2 Folly River

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Folly Beach Boat Landing (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm river waters, gentle currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, pelicans, egrets, osprey
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Marshlands, Sunset Cay Marina
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect private properties

Take a peaceful journey along the Folly River, offering paddlers an escape from the ocean waves.

Calm waters and gentle currents allow for a smooth paddleboarding experience. Enjoy scenic views of marshlands and a variety of local fauna, such as dolphins and ospreys.

#3 Charleston Harbor

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Remley’s Point Boat Landing, Mount Pleasant (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, tidal currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, pelicans, sea turtles
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to harbor regulations

Charleston Harbor offers a stunning urban paddleboarding experience with iconic landmarks such as Fort Sumter and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Cruise through the calm bay waters while admiring the historic charm of the area. Keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles as you paddle through this bustling harbor.

#4 Shem Creek

🏖️ Location Type: Creek
📍 Access Point: Shem Creek Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, tidal influence
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, herons, pelicans
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Marshlands, fishing boats, waterfront restaurants
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect no-wake zones

Shem Creek, located near Folly Beach, provides a picturesque paddling experience alongside marshlands, fishing boats, and waterfront restaurants.

The calm creek waters make it suitable for all skill levels. Dolphins and various seabirds are a common sight as you navigate through this charming waterway.

#5 Kiawah River

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Mingo Point (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm river waters, mild currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, pelicans, herons
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Marshes, Kiawah Island beaches
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect local regulations

Situated near Folly Beach, the Kiawah River offers a serene paddling experience. Glide along the calm waters surrounded by lush marshes and enjoy the sights of local wildlife.

The combination of water and marshland views sets this location apart, perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquillity.

Folly is the surf side of the Charleston area, which is why the creeks behind it are usually the better paddle. Charleston itself covers the harbour and the rivers, the Lowcountry the marsh country south, and West Virginia is the mountain option when the heat gets silly.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case