18th Street Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NE
Wind
W, SW
Surf Height
Knee-high to a few feet overhead.
Tide
Paddle out at dead low and stay awhile.
18th Street Surf Guide
Nondescript beachbreak between the Poles and Jax Pier, Atlantic Beach’s 18th Street is probably just as consistent as any other beachbreak of the northern Jax beaches — consistently so-so. It will, however, accommodate a range of swells and tides, particularly N/NE swells on mid-tides, but isn’t known for handling anything more than a foot or two overhead.
Ability Level
Beginner - Intermediate
It helps to be light on your feet, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Fairly mellow with the occasional agro local.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Random people come and go, just like you.
Spot Rating
Fun
This might be the best kept secret in all of Jacksonville — or it’s an average Florida beachbreak.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Can be some drift to contend with, since Jax beaches like the colder, sweepier swells.
Water Quality
Dirty
Between the St. Johns River and the Mayport U.S. Naval Station, the Jax Beaches are known for their brown, murky waters, among other pollutants. However, this spot’s historically passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time.
Hazards
Sharks, jellyfish, sea lice, lightning.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard
Access
Limited free parking.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
September-March
Do you have local knowledge about 18th Street?
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