South Beach Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NNE, SE
Wind
W
Surf Height
Waist-high to 3 feet overhead
Tide
Low and incoming
South Beach Surf Guide
South Beach has the potential to deliver barreling, board-breaking peaks. During north or northeast swell conditions, the A-frames are shapeliest on the incoming tide with offshore (west to northwest) winds. And while it is known through most of the year as a spot that hardly ever works, South Beach can be the only spot breaking statewide when zero-degree north swells bypass the rest of the Florida coast.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Beginner and up average days; Advanced/Pro when it's firing.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
The locals wait a long time for this place to get good, so be kind.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
This is Miami which has a ton of surfers, so expect crowds at any sign of surf.
Spot Rating
Fun
Good windswell spot and gets really fun/chunky on SE windswells thanks to the extended jetty. Strong NNE swells are for experts only, although that doesn't stop the lesser skilled from having a crack.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Breaks pretty close to the beach.
Water Quality
Clean
Water surprisingly clean being near such a populated area.
Hazards
Inexperience surfers and their boards getting lip launched on big days. When it's good, known your limits, this is a serious wave when it's on.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
Pretty easy overall.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
Fall-Spring
Do you have local knowledge about South Beach?
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