Florida boasts some of the best surfing beaches on the mainland. Amazing waves and white sandy beaches await those who wish to grab a board and hang ten. The top five surfing beaches in Florida have seen surf fans flocking to their shores more often in recent years. Perhaps the downturn in the economy initially attacted surfers to a less expensive locale in order to enjoy their sport. While Hawaii and Fiji may still hold the title for the tallest waves and pipelines, surfers are quickly ranking Florida as a paradise for wave jumpers.
Florida’s Space Coast area, which encompasses the Titusville and Sebastian Inlet section, is one of the most popular surfing choices. The Sebastian Inlet State Park is known for consistent surfing breaks, and easy to catch waves for beginners. An area near the North Jetty, known as “First Peak” has a growing surfing population in the water daily. The “Monster Hole” on the sout hside of the apark area should be reserved for more experienced surfers. Crowds of both locals and visitors are catching their rays on this beach in order to catch the daily surfing “show”, and takng videos of the talented boarders.
The pier at Cocoa Beach is increasing in surfing popularity. Surfing buffs have often referred to this beach as the best in Florida. Several surfing contests are held at Cocoa Beach annually. Cocoa Beach is the home of champion surfer, Kelly Slater, and the popular “Ron Jon Surf Shop”. Several smaller beaches in the Cocoa Beach area are also developing as surfer haunts, and include: Playalinda Beach, Satellite Beach, Indialantic Boardwalk, and Melbourne Beach.
Daytona Beach has a gently sloping geographical characteristic, which entices surfers to the area. Surfing camps and private surfing instructors have expanded in the Daytona Beach area for the last several years. The top rated surf schools in this section of Florida include Mimi Munro Surf Camp, the Daytona Beach Surfing School, and Surfari Surf classes. The Ponce Inlet is regarded as the best spot on Daytona Beach for advanced surfers. The fact that vehicles can drive on Daytona Beach is noted as one of the reasons this section of Florida has become more popular with surfers. By cruising down the beach in a buggy or 4-wheeler, surfers can better scope out the most “gnarly” waves and get to the prime sports more quickly.
New Smyrna Beach offers a 1970’s type laid back environement, and a cool beach town atmosphere. Ponce Inlet also runs in this area of the Florida shoreline, and attracts many surfers, and surf fans alike. Surfing is a way of life for many New Smyrna residents, a lot of which are old surfers themselves. Surfing competitions are often hosted at New Smyrna Beach.
Jacksonville Beach, on the Atlantic Ocean side of Florida is also hailed as a surfing destination. This beach is by far the most crowded and somewhat commercial. Surfing near the popular fishing pier is considered the prime spot at Jacksonville Beach to catch a wave. Surfers also prefer the consistent breaks offered at the Mayport Poles section of the beach. The Huguenot Memorial Park on the north side of the beach is another hot destination for board and kite surfers. Jacksonsville Beach is also the home of an annual Super Surf Camp, and Wavemasters Surf Contest.
Additional information about the top surfing locations in Florida, and current classes and contests can be found at www.visitflorida.com
