About Satellite Beach Surf Travel
Satellite Beach knows what it’s like to be the middle sibling starved for attention. None of the ’60s legend status of big bro Cocoa Beach. None of the sexy “star bar” appeal like that li’l sis Sebastian Inlet. It’s the sort of place inlanders drive past to get to one side or the other. But locals know that Satellite Beach is home to some of the more consistent — and consistently used — lesser known breaks, especially when there’s a bit o’ swell in the water, as it manages to keep long-period swells from shutting down. (Think the ’91 Halloween Storm when RC’s was the only place holding and heroes like Matt Kechele, Bill Hartley and Paul Reinecke busted out the big guns.)
You can thank the coquina reefs that line the best spots, making for waves that are generally more open-faced then hollow, but still push back, offering sections to punt or power gouge — especially when it’s overhead. Such conditions make it favorite for drawing — and producing — well-rounded surfers. Here’s where the young Hobgood twins and Jeremy Saukel — all members of the ’96 US Team — took the reigns from underground rippers like Sam Barker, burning turns and boosting airs on a day-to-day basis before the cams and glam sucked them down to First Peak. CJ still paddles out at his old haunts whenever he’s home. And while an old guard of Florida legends locks down the more consistent spots, reserving grumpy stares for fresh faces, the town’s year-round population, long lineage and central location ensures Satellite Beach as a launch point for future Sunshine State talent.