A lot of great surfers come from Florida and I meet them all around the world. But Florida has never struck me as a surf mecca. I’ve always known that the conditions are mostly small except when hurricanes light up the coast.
So I went to Florida to see what the waves were like and experience a taste of the surf scene. Although I only got a small taste, I understand Florida surfing a bit better now. Here’s what I learned.
The Waves: Small but Seasonal Surprises
The surf conditions in Florida are, in many ways, similar to what you’d find all along the east coast. For most of the year, the waves are small, generated by short period wind swell. Most storms are moving across the North Atlantic from east to west, which pushes swell into Western Europe and Northern Africa. This is why surf in England, Portugal, France, and Morocco are known to get significant swell.
Florida might get a little residual kickback from these big storms, but if anything it’s not much. Most of the time the east coast of Florida is getting its swell from small offshore storms.
Regardless of the lack of consistent long period swell, there is a great surf culture on Florida’s east coast.
East Coast Florida Surf Culture
You can find surf shops and meet people who live and breathe surfing. I visited in the summer when the waves were small, and the lineup was pretty empty. It wasn’t the buzzing surf scene I’m used to seeing in places like California. But there are plenty of signs of a surf community in most beach areas: surf shops, surfboards on cars, and surf-themed restaurants.
Don’t forget… the GOAT is from Cocoa Beach!
The Vibe: A relaxed beach town vibe was an obvious trait of the beaches I visited in Florida. Maybe it’s all the long boarding or the weather. The winds here stay mellow longer into the day, meaning you can surf well into the afternoon. That’s a big difference from California, where onshore winds pick up mid-morning and often ruin the conditions. The warm water and consistently pleasant weather make wetsuits unnecessary most of the time. It seems like the kind of place where surfing is less about chasing big adrenaline rushes and more about enjoying the simple pleasure of being in the water – which I really appreciate.
Plenty of Space and Easy Access
Another thing that stood out was how uncrowded the beaches were. Florida’s east coast has a lot of coastline, and it’s not as densely populated as places like Los Angeles or San Diego. Even on summer days, I didn’t feel like I had to fight for waves. The abundance of accessible beaches probably plays a role in keeping the crowds manageable. Parking was never an issue, and getting to the water was always easy.
I’m sure beaches around Miami get crazy in peak season, but from my understanding this doesn’t match up with surf season. So as a surfer, the spring break crowds is a non issue.
Sandy Beaches and Friendly Breaks
The beaches themselves were beautiful—mostly wide stretches of white sand. Unlike California, I didn’t see any cliffs, rocky shorelines, or major erosion issues. The sandbanks seemed plentiful, which foster the right conditions for peaky waves once a hurricane sends swell in the right direction. I didn’t come across many reefs or structured breaks, but the sandbars alone seem to offer plenty of variety. It’s an inviting setup for surfers of all levels.
Hurricane Season: The True Test
From what I gathered, hurricane season is the highlight for Florida surfers. When the swells roll in, there’s a short window of perfect waves before the storm conditions take over. Although it’s probably not too crowded when the waves do come in, there must be a bit of a learning curve to know when it’s going to turn on. Surfing too close to a hurricane’s arrival can also be dangerous.
I’d need to spend a season and track my sessions carefully to learn how the surf works in Florida during a hurricane season.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s east coast surprised me. While it might not offer the year-round consistency of places like California, it has its own charm. The small, manageable waves and warm water make it a great spot for beginners or anyone looking for a relaxed surf experience. And for those willing to wait and learn, hurricane season is known to deliver peaky barrels with empty lineups.