Isle of Palms / Breach Inlet

Isle of Palms / Breach Inlet is a kiteboarding spot near Charleston in USA, with open ocean conditions and prevailing S wind, best ridden in April, May.

About Isle of Palms / Breach Inlet

In Charleston, low tide sandbars create flat water with Atlantic breaks on the outside. The inlet gets bigger sandbars during low tide. On the Sullivan's Island side, you have flat to semi choppy water at low tide. On the Isle of Palms side, an incoming tide brings nice waist to head high waves. Great for launching off of. A strong onshore wind (20-25) can really kill a small swell. A strong offshore wind can kill even a large swell. Light offshore winds can really make a small swell that much better, and take a large swell from okay to epic. The biggest swells typically occur in the winter, early spring, and fall and may be associated with strong Northeasterlies coming down from North Carolina, offshore hurricanes during mid summer to late fall, or other local weather systems. Summertime can be unpredictable and surf is usually best in the morning before the afternoon sea breeze kicks in. The biggest waves usually aren't much bigger than a couple of feet overhead, but sometimes we get lucky. All breaks are sandy bottom breaks. The tides in Charleston do have a pretty dramatic affect on several spots, so it is good to know where to go and the right time. Southeast wind usually means wind-chopped surf. Northeast winds can kick up the stronger surf. Count on strong currents during larger swells associated with storms, especially if the wind is blowing sideshore. Beginners are encouraged to stay in the inside as the occasional rip currents can take you by surprise. There are many perfect learning small days.

When is the best time to kitesurf at Isle of Palms / Breach Inlet?

The best time to kite Isle of Palms / Breach Inlet is April, May, when the S wind is most reliable.

What are the wind and water conditions?

Isle of Palms / Breach Inlet offers open ocean conditions with S wind (Thermal, Frontal wind), launching from ocean.

How do I get to Isle of Palms / Breach Inlet?

From Mt. Pleasant, head down Coleman Blvd across the Sullivan's Island swing bridge connector. Take your second left once on the island and head to station's 28-29 (28th or 29th avenue). Or, for the waves, head across Breach Inlet and park in the lot right on the other side of the bridge on the Isle of Palms.

Hazards at Isle of Palms / Breach Inlet

Currents, Ships.

Other kite spots near Isle of Palms / Breach Inlet

• Sullivan's Island / The Lighthouse · <1 km · Charleston
• Isle of Palms · 1 km · Charleston
• Folly Island / Folly Beach · 17 km · Charleston
• Kiawah Island · 32 km · Charleston
• Hunting Island · 73 km · Charleston, Savannah
• Tybee Island / North Jetty · 128 km · Savannah

Spot data last updated 2026-07-20 · part of the KiteGlobe database of 6,633 kiteboarding spots.