Florida’s east coast is packed with surf spots. From short and calm spots to the tall and rough, Florida has got it all.
When floridians talk about surfing, names like Cocoa Beach, St. Augustine and New Smyrna come to mind. These beaches are all said to have consistent waves.
But New Smyrna, just south of Daytona, usually have waves up to six feet. The beach is almost always packed with tourists and allows driving on the beach. The beach is long enough that driving is necessary. Watch out for rising tide, unless you have four wheel drive.
The beach was rated 7 out of 10 and is considered to:
- Be best at high-tide and with winds blowing west
- Be most popular in fall and winter
- Have hazards like sharks, angry locals and speeding cars
The beach is the only one rated over a six on Florida’s northern coast and is considered intermediate. The water is usually crowded, but a bold surfer is guaranteed waves. Where Flagler Avenue meets Atlantic Avenue is supposed to be the best spot. Try surfing down to the beach and avoid the jetty.
“Paddling out along the jetty to the main peak is hardly suggested. These better nuggets are reserved for the hard group of locals who have spent their lives earning a cherished spot in this ruthless lineup. Unless you’re willing to put in the same time and effort over a few years, resign yourself to surfing down the beach,” said Strange Kaufmann in an article.
