Jacksonville Florida

The jacksonville pier? I'm not even from there and I know that. lol It's basically just non stop beach break so sands are always going to be shifting.

 

Pier = IMO not a very good wave or at least not a stand out spot. Likely the best peak is overrun by local pros and rippers greatly reducing your wave count. The better option are the plenty of sandbars to the north and south within a couple of blocks worth a look (but not really that great either). Best on a high tide and quite crappy at low. I do like the high tide onshore shore break thumpers though...especially when rain and cold reduces the crowds. Poles/ blue tops= best option because it can literally accommodate hundreds of surfers and that mile long jetty protects from wind/ drift while allowing for nice bars to form turning turd into rippable gems. Show up you'll see the best peaks or check 911 surfreport for a twice daily photo update. Which tide is best? Not sure it changes depending on swell direction, moon cycle, and wind but it essentially a decent session can be done on either tide or inbetween. Best way is to just keep tabs on it, North Jetty is also regional classic but is more fickle to get it good and justify the drive north.

 

If you're coming down this week, you could be in for a treat. We'll see how the forecast and wind holds up. I don't disagree with Stranded's advice, but I will add that heading south to Smyrna or Cocoa might be the call if you have the time. It's only a 2 hour drive south and the difference in water temp from Jax to further south is that you'll wear a wettie and boots in Jax (water is in the 50's) but you'll skin it down south (water in the 70's). Either way enjoy the waves.

 

Good call... thought that went without saying... heading 2 hours south is probably the best bet...it always is

 

Anytime, the spots are aplenty down that way.

 

Yeah i agree with coach beach , It is one of best beach in Florida to visit. Nan how's your experience with Coach beach share it with us..

Jacksonville FL Locksmith

 

I agree with my fellow norflo bros...
Flagler pier is also worth the drive..
However, if you don't mind biking in...
There are some nice peaks with surfrider
Access paths south of town

 

If you're planning on driving a little south from Jax, then why not hit a few spots on your way down?

Not too far south of Jax just outside St. Augustine is Matanzas. Occasionally some surf there.

Then like the other poster mentioned there's the Flagler Pier. Depending on the swell you can surf a little north or south or the pier itself. Just on south from there is Ormond. A few good spots there.

Then you come into Daytona... In south Daytona is the Sunglow pier.... gets pretty good there! A few more miles south of there is Ponce Inlet. Ponce really fires on a good swell and also holds minimal surf. On the other side of the inlet at Ponce is New Smyrna. This is probably the best spot in the state if not east coast! NSB really fires and also holds very minimal swell. When its flat everywhere else there's usually always a rideable wave here. Then there's NSB beach. Lots of good little spots up and down NSB!

Just south of NSB is Bethune. Depending on the swell Bethune gets good too! Bethune has a really steep shoreline. At the end of Bethune is Canaveral National Seashore. Once again, some good spots there too! Down at the end is the nudie beach! If you can stand the site of old ***** there's some good waves down there too!

Down past nudie beach and the space shuttle is Cocoa. The beach at Cocoa faces southeast and breaks good depending on the swell and angle. From there about 45min south is Sebastian. If you're seeking warmer water this is where I would recommend. Its about 10 degrees warmer than NSB and much, much warmer the Jax! This time of year you could damn near skin it down in Sebastian!

South of there is Lighthouse, Reefroad, etc.... however you really need a good southeast swell to catch these spots.

Problem with Sebastian this time of year is the wind. Most cold fronts seem to stall out right at the Sebastian line and seems to really funnel the winds through there. Another big plus of Sebastian is the campground. There's one on each side of the inlet. Killer campground, and every spot is right on the water! Walking distance to the break. Highly recommend camping down there if you have the chance!