Goulds Inlet / Georgia / United States

This is a nice fun spot in Georgia, but it isn’t for beginners on account of the strong currents experienced on the paddle out. It is pretty quiet whether you come in the week or at the weekend, but it’s convenient as it is right on the edge of the St. Simons community.

The beach here is scrub and grass, right down to the water’s edge. Its public access, and to get here just walk down to the end of the east beach on St Simons Island before jumping in off the pier and paddling around the island until you get ocean side. Alternatively, you can come by boat.

This spot is pretty sheltered from the wind. The best swell direction is when it is from the west, and it’ll start working at 1m before building up to 2m and over. The waves are hollow and have enough power to be fun, but are generally short in length unless you get it on a good when they might reach 150m.

Facilities are limited in the area, but that only means the place is less likely to be crowded. St. Simons has a couple of hotels and other places to stay, and a few places to eat. If you aren’t going out on the water, there are also a few local attractions such as the lighthouse, Fort Frederica and the Maritime Center.

The strong current on the paddle out is the biggest danger here, but don’t forget about the rocks which you can easily be driven on top of.