HMO's Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SE, S, SW
Wind
NW, N, NE
Surf Height
Head-double overhead-plus
Tide
Light outgoing or slack
HMO's Surf Guide
The name has nothing to do with your medical provider. It stands for "half-mile out," and it is the mysto cloudbreak of Destin. To get there, follow the beach road west, almost to the end. Look for the boat docks on the right and surfers' cars parked along the road. Walk south along the pass to the east jetty and paddle out.On big days, the right-hander can be a spectacularly large, winding point wave that breaks on a shallow sandbar far outside of the east jetty of Destin Pass. The problem with surfing there is that the Destin Pass has one of the fastest tidal flows anywhere. Peak incoming or outgoing tides are like a river, and if you catch it wrong and get sucked out, plan on paddling six miles out. The beginning of an outgoing tide or slack tide works best, but a Jet Ski and an anchor might be the only true answer to a leisurely surf out there.
Ability Level
Advanced
Expert -- only go with experienced locals.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
None.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
None.
Spot Rating
Fun
Breaks way out there, so strong paddling skills need. Not for beginners.
Shoulder Burn
Exhausting
Strong paddlers only.
Water Quality
Clean
This is the emerald coast, so named due to the water color.
Hazards
Sharks, boats, floating Bay debris.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Gun
Access
15-minute walk -- park at the end of Holiday Isle.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
Fall-Spring, Hurricane
Do you have local knowledge about HMO's?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]