880 Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
W, NW
Wind
Onshore to generate some surf, E for clean conditions
Surf Height
Thigh-1' overhead
Tide
Mid to high
880 Surf Guide
Surfing on the patrolled area of Clearwater's public beach is not allowed, but surfers flock to the area at the north end and take advantage of a double-sandbar beachbreak known as 880. To find it, take U.S. Highway 19 south onto Gulf To Bay Road, and stay west to Gulf Boulevard, which will take you along the beach in Clearwater. From there, just head north to 880 Mandalay Blvd. On a north/northwest swell, longboarders can catch the outside. The wave often reforms on the inside for shortboarders, but it dumps quickly, and at times painfully, in shallow water. The jetty at the south end of the beach breaks on a southwest swell, but make sure you're out of the water by 9:30 a.m. when the lifeguards take the stand. Be warned: parking is sporadic at the north end, so pay attention to the signs, and the crowds are worst during summer.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Any
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Easy.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Minimal.
Spot Rating
Poor
Below average spot and never really gets that good here. Plus it is small dab in the center of Clearwater Beach which is jam packed with tourists and Scientologists. Most surf somewhere else.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Easy most days, can be a little more challenging on the bigger windswell days.
Water Quality
Clean
Outside of occasional red tide outbreaks, water is usually clean.
Hazards
Stingrays.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Skimming
Access
No problem, but watch the parking.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
Fall-Spring, Hurricane
Do you have local knowledge about 880?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]