Florida might not be the first spot that pops into your head when you are thinking of great places for surfing, but don't underestimate the Sunshine State!
With hundreds of miles of white sand beaches, Florida is home to some hidden gems. Keep reading for 3 of the best spots for surfing in Florida.
Surfing in Florida: What You Need To Know
While Florida isn't your typical destination for great surfing, the combo of consistent waves, warm water temperatures, and easy beach access make Florida a place you'll want to check out for your surfing adventures. The ease of getting to many of these places is a definite plus.
Whether you want to hit up the east coast of the state and surf the Atlantic waves, or venture to the Panhandle to enjoy the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is one place you won't want to miss.
Best Surfing Spots in Florida
The space coast, or the east coast of Florida, boasts some great surfing destinations and is the place where many surfing legends got their start. Sebastian Inlet and Cocoa Beach Pier are two that you shouldn't miss.
Sebastian Inlet
Sebastian Inlet is well known as the spot where many professional surfers got their start. Sebastian Inlet is said to be the birthplace of the aerial. It has been popular with the surfing community since the 1960s.
First Peak, Second Peak, Third Peak, and OK Signs are some of the top spots here. Be sure to check out Monster Hole, a break that was created by a man-made sandbar. Also appealing are the clean bathrooms, picnic area, and 3 miles of pristine beach.
Cocoa Beach Pier
Cocoa Beach is home to Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world's most famous surf shop, Ron as well as well professional surfer Kelly Slater.
It's a great option for longboarders and beginners, as the waves are a little calmer. It's also the spot for many local surfing contests. The close proximity to Orlando and all that it has to offer makes it a top destination for those near and far.
The crowds are often smaller here and it's the home of the East Coast Dog Surfing Championship as part of the Cocoa Beach Easter Surf Festival.
A few hundred miles northwest of the space coast are the Florida panhandle beaches that also boast some great surfing, especially Pensacola Beach.
Pensacola Beach
While many of the top surfing spots in Florida are on the space coast, don't discount the panhandle beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. On Pensacola beach, enjoy the sugar sand beaches and clear, emerald green water. You can't beat the beauty of the gulf beaches and water.
Popular surf spots in Pensacola include the Wall and the Pier. Hit up these spots in the winter, when tourists are scarce and the waves are consistent.
Be prepared though, as it can get cold there in the winter. Air and water temps often require surfers on the Florida panhandle to wear booties and hoods.
Where Will Your Next Surf Trip Be?
Hopefully, this article has convinced you to give surfing in Florida a shot!
These are 3 of the top surfing spots in Florida, but there are plenty more to choose from. Where will your next trip be?
Start planning now and visit our shop for all of your surf gear needs.