Do you need a wetsuit to surf in Florida?

Do you need a wetsuit to surf in Florida? 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.

Which side of Florida has better waves?

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.

What is the surf capital of Florida?

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.

Is Florida or California better for surfing?

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.

What month is best to surf in Florida?

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.

What month is best to surf in Miami?

The best time of year for surfing South Beach (Miami) with consistent clean waves (rideable swell with light / offshore winds) is during Winter and most often the month of January.

Why doesn t Florida get big waves?

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.

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.

Where do people go surfing in Florida?

Between the Georgia state line and Cape Canaveral National Seashore, you'll find breaks such as Mayport Poles — one of the few places where you can catch good, clean surf in the middle of a raging northeaster — St. Augustine's Blowhole and New Smyrna Beach, the most consistent surf spot in all of Florida.

Where can I surf for beginners in Florida?