How big do waves get in Florida?

Beaches south of Tampa Bay tend to have larger and better surf than those north of the bay. To be rideable with a surfboard, you'll need waves at least 2 or 3 feet high. A typical cold front swell will top out at 3 to 5 feet, with particularly strong fronts bringing 5 to 8 feet once or twice a season.



People Also Ask

Atlantic Coast The waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the East Coast of Florida are, in general, known to have more wave action than the Gulf Coast.

MORE DETAILS

New Smyrna Beach North of Canaveral, you can surf in New Smyrna Inlet, the south side of the famous Ponce de Leon or Ponce Inlet. Known locally as the wave magnet, Smyrna's waves are well suited for trick riding or hot dogging. It's also now considered the most consistent surf.

MORE DETAILS

On a calm day, California beaches usually have bigger waves than Florida beaches because our part of the Pacific tends to be rougher and a whole lot colder than Florida's part of the Atlantic.

MORE DETAILS

Florida: Florida's east coast and Gulf coast offer surfers a unique experience with warm waters and a tropical climate. While Florida doesn't have the consistent, high-quality waves found in California and Hawaii, it has its own charm and attracts surfers looking for a different vibe and milder conditions.

MORE DETAILS

Cocoa Beach may be the surf capital of Florida, but there are plenty of things to do when the waves are flat (or your arms are sore). Surf addicts can visit the Florida Surf Museum inside the Ron Jon Surf Shop, which has a rotation of cool events and exhibits.

MORE DETAILS

Florida's typical surfing season runs from early August through winter and well into mid-spring. The main swell season is winter, from November to March. The swells originate from North Atlantic low pressures, generating waves up to three meters.

MORE DETAILS

Home to several Guinness World Records - including the largest wave ever ridden and biggest wave ever surfed by a woman - Nazaré's Praia do Norte is a rare natural phenomenon. Despite being a beach break, it is so powerful and heavy that some call it the surfboard-breaking machine.

MORE DETAILS

Mavericks Beach, California Mavericks Beach in Half Moon Bay, California is renowned for its powerful waves and is considered to have some of the largest surfable waves in the United States.

MORE DETAILS

Calusa Beach, Big Pine Key With gentle or nonexistent waves, this beach in the Florida Keys is one of the best spots in the state for littles. It's shallow, and fun snorkeling opportunities happen right off the sand, making this stretch a great way to spend a relaxing family afternoon.

MORE DETAILS

The fetch or distance a wave has to form, is relatively short in South Florida due to the proximity of the Bahamian islands. Occasionally in the wintertime when strong northerly winds prevail surfable waves will come from the north, the only direction that is open enough for waves of sufficient height to form.

MORE DETAILS

Water Temperature: The water temperature in South Florida can vary depending on the time of year and location. During the winter months, the water can be quite chilly in Central and North Florida, so a full wetsuit with boots may be necessary. In the summer, it's usually boardshorts and a rashguard will suffice.

MORE DETAILS