- Gas Fireplace Maintenance
- Chimney Cap Installation
- Fire Hazards with Dryer Vent Cleaning
Chimney Sweep Near Me Folly Beach, SC
There's something alluring about chimneys - whether they're old or new, they have an inherent charm that adds architectural flair to your home. Perhaps more importantly, fireplaces keep you and your family warm and cozy during cold South Carolina winters. Who doesn't love gathering in front of the fire with friends to enjoy a fun board game or a few rounds of drinks?
Anyone who owns a chimney should most certainly enjoy it. But you should know that your chimney isn't there to simply make your house look special - its primary role is to keep you and your family safe. In fact, when you're relaxing in front of a cozy fire with your favorite book, your chimney is hard at work making sure the fire's harmful fumes are directed up and away from you and your home.
Unfortunately, when you fail to clean your fireplace and the flue lining it, things can heat up in a matter of moments - and not in a good way. The truth is that unclean fireplaces can lead to chimney fires, which are known for causing horrible property damage and even harm to people. Chimney fires can be explosive, with flames shooting from the top of your chimney and dense smoke billowing out into the street. It's a horrible situation to endure. Fortunately, homeowners in South Carolina can rely on a chimney sweep in Folly Beach, SC, to keep their chimneys clean and in great working condition. That's where Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service comes into play - to help you enjoy your home's fireplace without worrying about worst-case scenarios.
Stay Safe, Warm, and Cozy withFlowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service
As a local, family-owned chimney sweep company in South Carolina, our team is dedicated to keeping gas fireplaces, wood burning fireplaces, and dryer vents clean and in great working condition for homeowners. By letting our family serve your family, you can rest easy knowing your fireplace and chimney are ready and waiting for you to enjoy this winter, whether you have a gas fireplace with logs or a more traditional wood burning alternative.
Our mission is to serve our customers with superior chimney and gas fireplace service by providing years of knowledge, time-tested solutions, and customer education to build trust and customer loyalty. We offer a range of chimney sweep services in Folly Beach, SC, including the following:
- Gas Fireplace Service, Repairs, & Installation
- Gas Log Service, Repair, & Installation
- Chimney Sweep Service & Cleaning
- Wood Fireplace Service & Repairs
- Exterior Chimney Cap Sales & Installation
- Chimney Inspections
Unlike some chimney sweep companies in South Carolina, our team has been certified to ensure we know how to install, maintain, and repair all types of fireplace appliances. In fact, over our more than 12 years of experience in the fireplace and hearth industry, we've obtained a few credentials along the way, including:
CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep
Homeowners looking for reliable and knowledgeable chimney and venting professionals have trusted the Chimney Safety Institute of America's (CSIA) endorsements for over three decades. By selecting a technician who is certified by CSIA, you can rest assured that they possess the necessary expertise, qualifications, and experience to provide you with top-notch chimney sweep service in South Carolina.
NFI Certified Gas Hearth and Wood Burning Hearth Professional
When it comes to planning and installing fireplaces, stoves, and venting systems, skill and technical knowledge are absolutely crucial. There are countless decisions that must be made, including determining the appropriate floor protection, appliance sizing and placement, and venting system compatibility and height.
For the most reliable and proper installation, it's highly recommended that you seek the guidance of a specialist. The National Fireplace Institute is a trusted, independent, non-profit certification agency that has established the highest standards for certification in the hearth industry. Those who pass the rigorous examination covering the fundamentals of proper installation are awarded NFI Specialist Certification, ensuring you can trust their expertise.
Now that you know a little bit about our company and our mission, it's time to learn more about the fireplace and hearth services we offer to homeowners in South Carolina.
Keeping Your Home Safe with Gas Fireplace Maintenance in Folly Beach, SC
Gas fireplaces are one of the most common features of homes in South Carolina and bring a special ambiance to any room. As with any appliance in your home, however, it's important to keep your gas fireplace maintained throughout the year.
It is crucial to have your gas hearth appliances serviced annually. At Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service, our team of experts will thoroughly clean, service, and inspect your gas hearth appliance, as well as perform any necessary repairs. If you notice black soot on your logs or they are not burning cleanly, it is imperative to shut down the appliance to schedule gas fireplace maintenance or repair ASAP.
It's important to note that your gas logs should only be serviced and repaired by a certified gas specialist from the NFI or National Fireplace Institute. There's nothing wrong with hiring a friend, but if they don't know what they're doing, your safety may be at risk.
Why Should You Have Your Gas Fireplace Serviced
At Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney Service, one of the most common questions we get is whether or not a customer really needs to have their fireplace serviced. The two biggest reasons for doing so are appliance reliability and safety. The truth is it's very important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have the system inspected and serviced annually by a certified gas specialist.
Failure to do so could result in the production of lethal carbon monoxide gas, which is odorless and requires special equipment to detect. Additionally, gas leaks and improper venting can pose serious hazards, which is why inspection of the venting system, chimney, and fireplace is imperative. With proper maintenance and regular checks, you can enjoy the warmth of your gas hearth system with confidence and peace of mind.
If you haven't kept up with gas fireplace maintenance and believe something is wrong with your hearth or chimney, consider gas fireplace repair in Folly Beach, SC.
What About Un-Vented Gas Fireplaces?
Heating systems that don't require vents are like regular home heating systems. But they need to be working properly and checked often. It's a good idea to open a window if you're using a vent-free heater. There are rules about when you can use them. It's a good idea to have an expert check your heater's location. Sometimes, people don't know how to use their fireplace or heater correctly - and that's OK. At Flowertown Gas Fireplace and Chimney, we're happy to answer questions and give you tips so you can safely enjoy your gas fireplace.
Common Signs You Need Gas Fireplace Repair
Whether you have a vented or un-vented gas fireplace, it's important to know when you need maintenance or repairs. Keep these signs in mind, especially as you approach fireplace season.
Burning Smells
If you detect any unusual odors emanating from your gas fireplace, it is important to take action. While some odors may not be a cause for concern, the smell of gas or burning wires should be taken seriously. To ensure your safety, turn off the fireplace and immediately open windows to let in fresh air. Be sure to also call a certified chimney sweeping company like Flowertown to repair and resolve any further issues. In the event of a suspected gas leak, evacuate your home immediately and dial 911 for assistance.
Your Gas Fireplace Turns On and Off
If your custom gas fireplace is turning on and then quickly turning off, this is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. There can be multiple reasons for this malfunction, so it's best to contact a trustworthy chimney sweep in South Carolina who specializes in gas fireplaces. Turn off the unit and wait for the technician to arrive to prevent any further damage.
Buildup of Soot
It's normal to wipe off soot from various areas of your fireplace while you're cleaning. However, if you notice excessive amounts of soot, you're dealing with an underlying problem that needs professional attention.
Pilot Light Malfunctions
If your gas fireplace's pilot light is not working properly, it could indicate a potential issue with the wiring, gas valves, or thermostat. Keep an eye out for any inconsistencies in its performance.
Reliable Wood Fireplace Maintenance in Folly Beach, SC
While gas fireplaces are more common and often easier to operate, wood fireplaces have their own unique ambiance and allure. If you're like us, nothing sounds better than curling up in front of a crackling fire on a cold winter's night with some hot cocoa and a good book. Unfortunately, when you fail to maintain your wood fireplace and are reluctant to have it repaired, you're putting your safety on the line.
That's why we offer top-notch chimney cleaning services at Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service. Our certified hearth professionals will thoroughly clean your chimney, removing any creosote buildup and inspecting all vital components to ensure everything is in proper working order. Don't take any chances when it comes to the safety of your home - trust us to keep your chimney in tip-top shape.
Why Should You Have Your Wood Fireplace Inspected by a Chimney Sweep?
There are several compelling reasons why you should have your system inspected by our team. As we mentioned earlier, your chimney is likely to accumulate creosote deposits, which can pose a serious fire hazard. However, with our chimney and fireplace sweeping services, you can significantly reduce this risk. Plus, there may be hidden defects in your system, such as within the flue or smoke chamber, which are difficult to detect without professional inspection.
Suppose you are a new homeowner or have never had your system inspected by a certified chimney sweeper in South Carolina. In that case, it's time to call Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service. Our experts can provide the necessary maintenance and recommendations to ensure your system is safe and functional. Whether you need an inspection, maintenance, or wood fireplace repair, our team is ready and waiting to help.
Why Should You Have Your Wood Fireplace Inspected by a Chimney Sweep?
There are several compelling reasons why you should have your system inspected by our team. As we mentioned earlier, your chimney is likely to accumulate creosote deposits, which can pose a serious fire hazard. However, with our chimney and fireplace sweeping services, you can significantly reduce this risk. Plus, there may be hidden defects in your system, such as within the flue or smoke chamber, which are difficult to detect without professional inspection.
Suppose you are a new homeowner or have never had your system inspected by a certified chimney sweeper in South Carolina. In that case, it's time to call Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service. Our experts can provide the necessary maintenance and recommendations to ensure your system is safe and functional. Whether you need an inspection, maintenance, or wood fireplace repair, our team is ready and waiting to help.
Essential Wood Burning Fireplace Safety Tips
Having a wood fireplace is a wonderful addition to any home, but it needs to be maintained and repaired, or else it can be very hazardous to your family. Try following these safety tips when enjoying your wood stove or fireplace.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
To increase the likelihood of effectively controlling a fire and preventing it from spreading, it is important to have a fire extinguisher nearby. This can significantly reduce the response time in the event of a fire, as every second counts.
Look for Chimney Cracks
Try to regularly inspect your chimney for any cracks, obstructions, or signs of damage. Cracks can be particularly dangerous, as they can allow heat, smoke, and harmful gases to escape into your home. Cracks can also serve as an entry point for water, which can be particularly harmful.
Talk to Your Family
To ensure safety around your wood burning fireplace, it's essential to educate your family, especially kids, about the potential hazards of fire and the importance of responsible behavior. By teaching them wood fireplace safety measures, you'll create a secure environment for everyone in your house.
Have Your Chimney Inspected by a Seasoned Chimney Sweep in South Carolina
Regular chimney inspections and cleanings prioritize safety and maintenance while providing peace of mind and reducing the risk of chimney fires. Plus, by having your wood fireplace inspected, you'll have peace of mind knowing it works when weather starts to freeze.
Protect Your Property with Chimney Cap Installation in Folly Beach, SC
If you've ever looked at a house and noted how great the top of their chimney looked, it's probably because they had an attractive chimney cap. Chimney caps and chase pans play a crucial role in both the functionality of a chimney system and the aesthetic appeal of a home's exterior. A well-designed chimney cap safeguards the chimney from animal intrusion, minimizes wind-induced downdraft, and is an essential component in preventing water entry, which can cause significant damage to chimneys.
If you're looking to add or replace your current chimney cap, you're in the right place. Our collection of custom chimney caps comes in a variety of styles and colors to match or supplement your home's beauty. Of course, as professional chimney sweepers in South Carolina, we also offer chimney cap repair and water prevention options where necessary.
How Do You Know When a Chimney Cap Needs Maintenance?
Your home's chimney cap is likely the highest point of your home, making it an easy feature to forget about when it comes to yearly maintenance or repair. That's unfortunate, because even small damage to your chimney and its cap can allow debris and water to enter. Do yourself a favor and examine your chimney cap regularly for the following red flags:
- Visible Cracks
- Loose Bricks
- Tiles Falling from Chimney
- Cracked Mortar Joints
- Rust in Fireplace
- More
If you notice any of the following signs, you should call Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service for expert chimney cap repair.
Avoid Hidden Fire Hazards with Dryer Vent Cleaning in Folly Beach, SC
Have you noticed that it's been taking longer to dry your clothes after washing them? If so, your dryer vent might need to be cleaned - and we're not just talking about the screen you pull out to remove lint. But why?
Regular cleaning of your dryer vents is a must for many reasons, but primarily to prevent lint buildup that can lead to house fires and extend your appliance's lifespan. Dryer vent cleaning is especially important if you tend to leave home while your dryer is in use, as a fire could ignite in your absence. Neglecting proper dryer vent cleaning not only wastes energy but also causes longer drying times and increases the likelihood of machine malfunctions.
Unsure whether you need dryer vent cleaning from Flowertown Gas Fireplace & Chimney Service? Call our office today for an inspection - it's always better to be safe than sorry. You can also keep an eye out for signs like:
- Burning Smells
- Extra-Long Dry Times
- Your Clothes are Unusually Hot
- Your Lint Flap Won't Open
- Your Laundry Room is Hotter Than Usual
If you notice one or more of the red flags above, you should act fast. Flowertown chimney sweeps are fully equipped to provide a comprehensive dryer vent cleaning service for all brands of dryers, including gas, electric, and high-efficiency machines.
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Latest News Near Me Folly Beach, SC
Nor'easter and King Tides eroded Charleston's beaches. The cost to keep shores sandy is rising.
Jonah Chesterhttps://www.postandcourier.com/rising-waters/storm-erosion-charleston-county-beaches/article_06e87341-68bf-43cb-8a0d-95fc15870895.html
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND — King tides and a rainy nor’easter just delivered a one-two punch to beaches along South Carolina’s coast.Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island all saw some of their sand sucked out into the stormy sea this past weekend. As sea levels in the region rise, erosion events like this one could become more common and severe.An escarpment over 6 feet tall at Sullivan’s Island’s Thomson Park highlighted the most extreme erosion the island suffered from the 8-foot k...
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND — King tides and a rainy nor’easter just delivered a one-two punch to beaches along South Carolina’s coast.
Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island all saw some of their sand sucked out into the stormy sea this past weekend. As sea levels in the region rise, erosion events like this one could become more common and severe.
An escarpment over 6 feet tall at Sullivan’s Island’s Thomson Park highlighted the most extreme erosion the island suffered from the 8-foot king tides and the weekend nor’easter.
The beach at the southern end of Sullivan’s Island, where the maritime forest has cropped up on accreted sand, remained wide and flat after the rains. A handful of beach walkers trekked up and down the shore, still wet from the weekend deluge. Aside from some water that had pooled at the town’s public access paths, it was business as usual on that part of the island.
Heading north, toward Breach Inlet, is where evidence of the king tides and heavy rains became apparent. The gradual slope that normally connects the dunes to the dry sandy beach sharply dropped off; the high tides created a substantial shelf, about 6 feet tall.
This section of the beach is where around 20,000 dump-trucks-worth of freshly dredged sand were placed, courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The supplemental sand was a beneficial use project. Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island both benefitted from the dredge spoil.
The town spent $646,000 last year moving a portion of that sand higher onto the beach and build up the dunes at Breach Inlet and behind Marshall Boulevard.
After the king tides and the rainy weekend, about half of that sand is gone, Sullivan’s Island Administrator Joe Henderson said.
“The dunes served their purpose,” he said.
The Isle of Palms didn’t fare as well.
Both the southern end of the island, near Breach Inlet, and the northern tip that encompasses the Wild Dunes neighborhoods and resort, were inundated by the high tides. The Ocean Club Villas, currently surrounded by scaffolding and blue netting, were hit hard by the king tides — waves reached the condominium’s foundation.
Some of the homes on the island, still recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Erin, had piles of tan sandbags stacked behind them. City leaders spent $550,000 in August to deploy hundreds of these bags to Breach Inlet, and portions of Wild Dunes, including the Ocean Club Villas and homes on Beachwood East, a highly-eroded section of the island.
A handful of Ocean Boulevard properties were guarded by the sandbags, piled several feet high to block the waves from the property. Still, a tall shelf of sand dune could be seen behind the row of houses, along with exposed roots from the grass planted to stabilize the dunes.
Folly Beach in a warming world
Across South Carolina, island communities spend millions of dollars each year to renourish their beaches. Folly Beach last October wrapped up a $22 million renourishment project, Hilton Head Island is mid-way through a massive $47.5 million renourishment and Isle of Palms in May finished moving 120,000 cubic yards of sand to protect Wild Dunes Resort as part of a $750,000 project to harvest sand from a developing shoal.
The state Department of Environmental Services estimates that South Carolina’s coastal communities spent more than $400 million in federal, state and local funds on beach renourishment from 1979 to 2023. But as the climate changes and tides rise, beach towns likely will have to pay heftier sums to keep their shores sandy and the multi-million-dollar oceanfront homes protected.
So why keep paying for sand if it’s just going to wash away?
“ Because the public infrastructure and homes are not getting washed away,” said Nicole Elko, the president of the Folly Beach-based Elko Coastal Consulting. Elko works with Folly and other coastal communities on sand renourishment and erosion issues.
South Carolina’s sea islands naturally erode and accrete mass. Sand is generally carried southward from one island to the next, and additional sediment is built up from river mouths. Folly Beach is the exception to that rule.
Folly has to undergo regular renourishment that is (typically, but not always) paid for by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps built jetties just outside Charleston Harbor in the 19th century that disrupt the flow of sand to the island.
“Before this renourishment program began in the ’80s and ’90s, Folly didn't just lose houses, they lost entire roads,” Elko said. “ Our memories are short, but our policies are good, and we do this for a very important reason: to protect this treasure that we all love and enjoy — the beach. And in turn, the beach protects us.”
The last renourishment project on Folly Beach concluded in October 2024 to the tune of $22 million — all of which was covered by the Army Corps. While work is ongoing to determine how much sand was lost, Elko said this past weekend marked the largest erosion event since that project wrapped.
Even if the sand inevitably gets pulled away, the accounting still works out. One 2021 report by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found that every dollar spent on renourishment resulted in $1,200 in economic development generated by beach tourists, and $130 for federal, state and local tax coffers.
Surfer tales and vintage treasures await at Charleston's newest beach museum
Chelsea Grinsteadhttps://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_scene/arts/folly-beach-museum-charleston-sc/article_b14431c6-8e15-4f11-b127-f124f9a82984.html
FOLLY BEACH — There’s an old Corky surfboard mounted on the wall in the new Folly Beach Museum, its fault lines and worn spots a testament to the storied surfing history encapsulated in the 200-square-foot room.The small-yet-mighty museum opened Aug. 9 inside the Folly Beach Library and Community Center at 55 Center St. The renovated space, which used to be a porch, is showcasing the “Edge of America” surfing history exhibit packed with artifacts and memorabilia gathered from residents by the Folly Beach Histor...
FOLLY BEACH — There’s an old Corky surfboard mounted on the wall in the new Folly Beach Museum, its fault lines and worn spots a testament to the storied surfing history encapsulated in the 200-square-foot room.
The small-yet-mighty museum opened Aug. 9 inside the Folly Beach Library and Community Center at 55 Center St. The renovated space, which used to be a porch, is showcasing the “Edge of America” surfing history exhibit packed with artifacts and memorabilia gathered from residents by the Folly Beach Historical Society.
The Corky surfboard was donated by longtime Folly Beach resident Foster Folsom, who remembers seeing the craftsman of that board, Corky Hart, working away at the little shop off Folly Beach Road he would pass by on his way home from James Island High School in the early 1960s.
“He was building the surfboards from start to finish,” Folsom said. “He was blowing the foam himself and doing the fiberglass and woodwork and the shaping.”
Folsom restored the 60-something-year-old board now on display after a local woman found it under her house.
“Like any living thing, each board has earned its scars,” said Folsom, who restores antique boards as a hobby. “I call them ‘memory boards’ because you can look at them and think about everything that happened while you were riding them.”
To him, Corky was the real beginning of surfing on Folly Beach.
Folsom also happened to cross paths with another significant figure in Folly Beach surfing history when he was 16 years old in 1963.
“The gist of the story is that I was near Smoak’s Float, which had a little stand right there on the Plaza boardwalk,” he said. “There was a fellow waxing a surfboard. I asked him what he was doing, and he said he was going surfing. We grew up being told you couldn’t surf on Folly because the waves weren’t good. But then he took to the ocean, and it was the first time I actually saw someone surf on Folly.”
Surfers Flock to Folly Beach despite high rip current risk from Erin
Gracie Kirschnerhttps://www.live5news.com/2025/08/20/risk-high-life-threatening-rip-currents-along-lowcountry-coast-erin-passes/
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - As Hurricane Erin continues its path well offshore, beachgoers in the Lowcountry are still feeling the storm’s impact, particularly in the form of dangerous rip currents and elevated surf along the coast.While officials and meteorologists have warned swimmers to stay out of the water this week due to the high risk, that hasn’t stopped everyone from diving in, especially surfers.“I came out to surf before work this morning because the waves are just awesome,” one surfer who was ...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - As Hurricane Erin continues its path well offshore, beachgoers in the Lowcountry are still feeling the storm’s impact, particularly in the form of dangerous rip currents and elevated surf along the coast.
While officials and meteorologists have warned swimmers to stay out of the water this week due to the high risk, that hasn’t stopped everyone from diving in, especially surfers.
“I came out to surf before work this morning because the waves are just awesome,” one surfer who was enjoying the early-morning swells at Folly Beach and identified herself only as “Casey,” said. “They don’t look too big, and I feel really good about it. There are a lot of people out here.”
Rip currents are narrow, fast-moving channels of water that pull swimmers away from shore, according to NOAA. While not inherently deadly, they can be extremely dangerous, especially for people unfamiliar with local beach conditions.
The surfer acknowledged the risk but said she thinks experienced surfers are often better equipped to handle it.
“I don’t think swimming is a great idea right now,” she said. “Surfing is a little bit different. Most surfers know their limits. Swimmers, especially visitors, might not know how the rips or jetties work here. I think that’s a good idea for people not to swim. I think experienced surfers might be good, but beginner surfers might think twice.”
recommends avoiding the ocean altogether during high rip current risk periods. But, for those who find themselves caught in one, the advice is clear:
The surfer, who regularly surfs at Folly Beach, says the key is understanding how the ocean moves.
“You’re not going to fight against a rip current,” she said. “Let it carry you down the beach. Eventually, you’ll reach a spot between swells and that’s your chance to come back in. But definitely don’t try to swim directly against it.”
The risk of rip currents from Erin is expected to remain high through the end of the week. Lifeguards and first responders are encouraging anyone planning a beach trip to check local flag warnings, surf advisories, and stay within designated swimming areas.
Experienced surfers advise caution as Hurricane Erin stirs up risky waves at Folly Beach
Fallon Mearshttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/experienced-surfers-advise-caution-as-hurricane-erin-stirs-up-risky-waves-at-folly-beach-ready-4-the-storm-hurricane-news-lowcountry-wciv-abc-news-8-18-2025
A photo ofFolly Beach as the waves rise from Hurricane Erin offshore. Aug.18, 2025. (WCIV)FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — Though Charleston won't see the direct impact from Hurricane Erin, the waters off the coast aren't smooth sailing.At Folly Beach, people enjoyed the sunny Monday. But the waters may turn a bit more aggressive by Tuesday, with the major Hurricane Erin forecasted to turn north, passing between the Outer Banks and Bermuda.“I just want to mention to everybody, as we go through this entire week, bea...
A photo ofFolly Beach as the waves rise from Hurricane Erin offshore. Aug.18, 2025. (WCIV)
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — Though Charleston won't see the direct impact from Hurricane Erin, the waters off the coast aren't smooth sailing.
At Folly Beach, people enjoyed the sunny Monday. But the waters may turn a bit more aggressive by Tuesday, with the major Hurricane Erin forecasted to turn north, passing between the Outer Banks and Bermuda.
“I just want to mention to everybody, as we go through this entire week, beach hazards are going to be a problem," said Brian Haines, the National Weather Service Charleston’s meteorologist in charge.
Hazards include high surf and rip currents, coastal flooding, and beach erosion. And with this strong storm, the ocean can be a dangerous place – even over 500 miles away.
“When we talk about these bigger waves, it makes disorientation really easy," Haines said. "Swimming gets exponentially harder, and then as rip currents form along the coast, it becomes that much stronger because that wave energy is that much larger with this system.”
Rip currents can make the ocean a dangerous place, even for advanced swimmers.
“These are going to be really dangerous days just because we are not normally used to that here," Haines said. "And when you hop into that water, I think if you're not ready, it might catch you off guard. We definitely don't want that. We want people to stay safe this week.”
Experienced surfers in the area acknowledge the risk. The water conditions will remain top of mind if they choose to go out and hunt the waves.
Surfer Chris is from California and has been surfing since he was 13 years old.
“Erin is coming in as a hurricane, and it's bringing in a tropical swell, which is good for experienced surfers," Chris said. "But if you're not experienced, then it's a little dangerous because once you get up to five to eight and even eight to 12, it is more likely than not that you could possibly drown if you're not experienced.”
They say to be prepared before coming out to surf. There is now an app, Surfline, that allows riders to check the status of the waves before heading out to sea.
"We try to assess it even before we get the boards out of the truck," said Jay, another surfer on the beach. "We literally looked at the water first to see if it was even worth it or not. But even doing that, don't go set out to surf and definitely fall under your means. Don't try to do anything crazy.”
Another tip is to never surf alone, especially in these conditions.
“We ended up surfing all the way over there, and we didn't even know it," Jay said, "so I had to walk a couple of blocks just to get back to our other boards.”
Even those who have surfed their entire lives are taking precautions if they get caught in the waves.
"So if you can find the flatter spots where they're not really breaking as hard, you can try to get in there, find some white water that's really pushing you and just paddle hard," said Luke, a surfer from Virginia Beach. "That's about it. You gotta get out.”
While Hurricane Erin challenges the waves near Charleston County, safety will remain a top priority for all near the water.
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