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

BegIntAdv

Beginner and up average days; Advanced/Pro when it's firing.

Local Vibe

Welcoming

WelcomingIntimidating

The locals wait a long time for this place to get good, so be kind.

Crowd Factor

Heavy

MellowHeavy

This is Miami which has a ton of surfers, so expect crowds at any sign of surf.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

Good windswell spot and gets really fun/chunky on SE windswells thanks to the extended jetty. Strong NNE swells can be really good but crowded.

Shoulder Burn

Light

LightExhausting

Breaks pretty close to the beach but can be challenging when there is size.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

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?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]