A new grassroots organization aims to protect Folly’s surf culture through community awareness
by Liz Wolfe | Contributing Writer
On any given morning at Folly Beach, surfers gather at the Washout, the pier, and up and down the six-mile coastline to watch the horizon and wait for the next set. For longtime local surfer and realtor Carrie Rosen, that shared ritual — along with the culture surrounding it — is exactly what inspired a new community effort called Respect the Break (RTB).
“Everyone loves the surf vibe that Folly has always given off,” says Carrie, “but I often see that the surfing community gets neglected and could use an organization that really cares about the beach, the access points, and the vibe in the ocean. It all should coexist.”
RTB is a grassroots movement built by locals who want to strengthen the connection between surf culture, community wellness, and stewardship of the beach. Carrie says the group is still in its early stages, but the vision is already taking shape.
To Carrie, the big three priorities for Respect the Break are community, education, and collaboration. She says supporting the community means hosting events and get-togethers, beautifying local spaces (like putting murals at beach access points), fixing showers, and more. “Education can look like plaques at access points, where to surf, where not to surf, maybe a QR code linking you to Folly rules,” she says. As for collaboration, her goal is to bring together community groups, including surf shops, small local businesses, nonprofits, contest organizers, and everyday surfers to make sure all voices are heard and represented.
The mission of RTB is deeply personal to Carrie, who started surfing at age 9 while growing up in South Florida and felt the ocean’s pull even after moving inland. When she first visited Folly Beach as a teenager, it immediately felt like home.
“Folly was my vibe,” she said. “I picked back up where I left off with surfing, and it’s become a lifelong passion of mine.”
That passion extends beyond the sport itself. Carrie believes surf culture plays an important role in shaping how people interact with the coast and each other.
“It’s a mutual respect for nature, the ocean, and the future of all things that belong to the earth,” she said. “Surfers are built differently. It’s not about how you surf but how it makes you feel. That builds community and can really create a movement in a positive direction.”
RTB is also structured a little differently than many local organizations. Rather than operating as a traditional charity, the group has applied for 501(c)(4) nonprofit status, which allows it to advocate for community interests while also supporting other organizations.
The group hosted its first fundraiser — an oyster roast at LowLife Bar — in January. “We will need funds to operate as an organization and host fun events,” Carrie said. She added that locals, including nonprofits and businesses, have been eager to attend Respect the Break gatherings and show their support. “This is a lobbying organization, and we believe everything is stronger in numbers,” she said. “Why compete when we can collaborate?”
The issues they hope to address are both cultural and practical — from preserving the laid-back character of Folly to improving everyday infrastructure for beachgoers.
“I think that the access points and showers need updating,” Carrie said. “When you are down at the Washout, the showers are built up with sand and that makes it hard to rinse the sand off. I feel if people are paying so much for parking, they should have facilities and nicer showers that don’t leak and waste water.”
Volunteer Kathryn Matrangola said the organization has become a gathering point for locals who want to contribute.
“Respect the Break has quickly evolved from a desire to keep the surf vibe Folly loves to a desire to advocate for the small businesses, nonprofits, and friends of Folly,” she said.
Still, Carrie says the group’s focus remains on unity rather than division — even when conversations turn to larger issues affecting Folly.
When asked about the often polarizing conversation around Folly’s rental cap, she laughed.
“RTB stands for the people not only on Folly but our visitors, tourists, and local residents,” she said. “So we welcome all to Folly. The cap has seemed to discourage visitors and we hope that more people will feel welcome and enjoy the Folly that we all enjoy as it is a public beach.”
For now, Respect the Break is focused on bringing people together. The group hosts community meetings twice a month and encourages anyone who cares about Folly to attend.
“Come join the conversation,” Carrie said. “Surfboard not required.”
To learn more about Respect the Break, visit www.respectthebreak.org or follow them on Instagram at @respectthebreakfb.
