Billy's Beach Club in Myrtle Beach: Surfboards, Lessons, and Coastal Gear

What Billy's Beach Club offers

Billy's Beach Club is a surf shop and lesson center in Myrtle Beach that sells surfboards, wetsuits, and beach gear while also running beginner and intermediate surf instruction. The shop sits on North Kings Highway near the beach access points that draw most of Myrtle Beach's wave riders. You can walk in to browse equipment, rent a board for the day, or book a lesson with an instructor who knows the local breaks.

The shop stocks both new and used boards, which matters if you are starting out—a used board costs less and takes the sting out of your first wipeouts. They also carry wetsuits in different thicknesses for South Carolina's water temperatures, which swing from the 50s in winter to the low 70s in summer. Rash guards, board shorts, and accessories round out the inventory.

Key Takeaways

• Billy's Beach Club rents surfboards by the day and sells new and used boards for different skill levels and budgets.
• Surf lessons are available for beginners and intermediate riders, with instructors who teach in the water at nearby beach breaks.
• The shop carries wetsuits, rash guards, and other gear sized for South Carolina's seasonal water temperatures.
• The location on North Kings Highway puts you within walking distance of several public beach access points where lessons and rentals take place.

Surfboard rentals and sales

Renting a board from Billy's lets you test different shapes and sizes before you commit to buying. A day rental costs less than a new beginner board and gives you a chance to figure out whether surfing fits your schedule and interests. The rental fleet includes soft-top boards, which are forgiving when you are learning—they float easier and hurt less when they bonk you in the head.

If you decide to buy, the shop stocks beginner boards in the 7- to 8-foot range, which are wide and thick enough to paddle easily and catch waves without fighting the board. Used boards often come from local surfers who upgraded or moved away, so you get real-world feedback built into the price. Staff can help you match a board to your height, weight, and where you plan to surf—the sandbars near Myrtle Beach Boardwalk break differently than the jetty breaks south of town.

Surf lessons for new and returning riders

Billy's runs group and private lessons that start in the water rather than on the beach. An instructor will show you how to paddle, pop up, and balance on the board, then take you out to a break where the waves are small enough to practice without getting hammered. Most beginner lessons run an hour and cover the fundamentals—where to position yourself on the board, how to read the wave, and how to fall without hurting yourself.

Intermediate lessons focus on turning, reading wave shape, and moving into slightly bigger surf. If you took a lesson years ago and want to refresh, or if you learned on your own and want to fix bad habits, intermediate instruction can speed up your progress. The instructors are local surfers who know which breaks work best for different conditions and skill levels, so they can steer you toward waves that match what you are working on.

Wetsuits and seasonal water temperatures

South Carolina's Atlantic water is cold enough to need a wetsuit most of the year. In winter, water temperatures drop to the low 50s, and a 4/3 millimeter wetsuit (4mm chest and back, 3mm limbs) is standard. Spring and fall sit in the 60s, where a 3/2 works. Summer water reaches the low 70s, and many surfers switch to a rash guard or skip the wetsuit altogether.

Billy's stocks wetsuits in different thicknesses and sizes, and staff can help you pick one that fits snug without restricting your paddle. A wetsuit that is too loose lets cold water flush through; one that is too tight cuts off circulation and defeats the purpose. The shop also carries rash guards year-round, which protect your skin from the board and sun even when the water is warm.

Location and access to Myrtle Beach breaks

The shop's position on North Kings Highway puts you close to several public beach access points. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk area, about a mile south, has a jetty that creates consistent waves and draws both beginners and experienced surfers. Crescent Beach, a few miles north, offers a different sandbar setup and tends to be less crowded on weekdays.

If you rent or buy a board and want to know where to paddle out, the staff can point you toward breaks that match your level and the current conditions. They also know which access points have parking, which have lifeguards, and which are quieter if you want to practice without an audience.

What to bring and how to prepare

If you are renting a board, bring a valid ID and a payment method. For a lesson, wear board shorts or a swimsuit under your wetsuit—you will be in the water for an hour, and cotton holds water and gets cold fast. Bring a towel and a change of clothes, because you will be wet when you come back to shore.

If you are buying a board, the shop can wax it for you or sell you a bar of wax to apply yourself. Wax keeps your feet from sliding off the board when it is wet. A small ding repair kit is also worth having if you plan to surf regularly—dings let water into the foam and weaken the board over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to swim to take a lesson?

You should be comfortable in the water, but instructors teach in shallow breaks where you can stand if you need to. If you are not a strong swimmer, tell the instructor before you start—they can adjust the lesson location or depth to match your comfort level.

What if I rent a board and damage it?

Rental agreements typically cover minor dings and pressure dents, but major damage or delamination may result in a repair charge. Ask about the rental terms when you pick up the board so you know what is covered.

Can I take a lesson if I have surfed before but not recently?

Yes. Intermediate lessons are designed for people who have some experience but want to improve technique or get back into it. Tell the instructor what you remember and what you want to work on, and they can tailor the lesson to refresh your skills.

What is the best time of year to learn to surf in Myrtle Beach?

Fall and spring offer the most consistent small waves and comfortable water temperatures. Summer has warm water but fewer waves. Winter brings bigger swells but cold water and crowds. Ask the shop staff what conditions are like when you are planning to visit.

Do I need my own wetsuit or can I rent one?

Most shops rent wetsuits along with boards, though availability varies by size. Buying your own ensures a good fit and is more economical if you plan to surf more than a few times. The shop can help you pick the right thickness for the season.