Compared to Florida’s east coast, which picks up solid swell, the west coast of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico rarely sees larger surf.
However, it does have crystal clear waters and white sand beaches that are perfect for a relaxing beach day, and there are plenty of spots that can produce great waves, if only on occasion.
Gulf of Mexico Surf Guide
Waves in the Gulf of Mexico
As a whole, the waves in the Gulf of Mexico are fairly inconsistent. To surf the Gulf, you’re going to have to be very attentive to swell direction and angle, wind speed and direction, and tide.
Surf forecast websites like Surfline will be your best friend to stay up to date on the waves. When a northern front is moving in or tropical disturbance is brewing in the Gulf, it's go time.
That being said, there are some spots that are going to be more consistent than others. The coast off of the panhandle of Florida will typically produce larger and more consistent surf while the West coast is going to have smaller, mushy waves, with the exception being right around the time a hurricane is entering the area.
Surf Culture in the Gulf of Mexico
In most surf spots on the Gulf of Mexico, locals will be outnumbered by novice tourists as many of these locations are popular vacation spots. When a storm system generates a powerful swell, the lineup will almost definitely be crowded, and surfers from all over Florida will be flocking to the rarity that is solid, Gulf Coast surf like moths to flame.
Since Florida’s coastal towns thrive on tourism, you will find plenty of surf shops, surf-themed restaurants, and surf apparel.
Gear Needed to Surf In the Gulf of Mexico
If you’ve only got room for one board, you’re going to want to opt for a longboard or a fish to surf the Gulf Coast.
Unless that is, you’ve been meticulously tracking a storm and are preparing to surf a major hurricane swell. If that’s the case, then you probably don’t need me to tell you what board you should bring.
In the spring, summer, and fall, you probably won’t need more than a bathing suit or spring suit. In the winters, especially in north Florida, it may be more comfortable to wear a thin full wetsuit, but even that may be overkill in Southern spots.
The Best Waves in the Gulf of Mexico
Spot 1: Venice
The Venice jetties are home to the best surfing on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Sandbars are reinforced with rock jetties that allow for solid swells during hurricane season.
The South jetties will respond well to NW swell directions with steeper, faster waves, while the North jetties are better suited to SW swells and will typically produce larger-sized waves.
The break off of the Venice Fishing Pier is another popular spot.
When it's good, all three of these spots will be crowded, but you might get lucky if you sneak in an early morning session.
Spot 2: Pensacola
Located in the panhandle of Florida, Pensacola offers fun waves and a friendly, vibrant surf community. It is one of the more consistent breaks in the Gulf.
The geography of Pensacola allows the area to generate more surfable waves than other spots on the Gulf.
The panhandle is more exposed to south/southeast winds that can generate swells and the Desoto Canyon is right off the coast, a deep underwater canyon that creates a channel, allowing powerful swells a clear path to shore.
Pensacola has a number of surf schools, surf shops, and local surf competitions that add to its welcoming and prominent surf culture.
Spot 3: St. Pete Beach and Clearwater
Both about a forty-minute drive from the city of Tampa, St. Pete Beach and Clearwater are popular vacation destinations with beautiful white beaches lined with resorts, hotels, and beach bars.
These spots aren’t going to have much to show for themselves unless a storm system is knocking at their door.
You’ll see some waves of decent size on the days leading up to a hurricane or tropical storm, but they may be marred by wind chop, so you’ll want to make sure to check on wind direction before heading out.
What To Do In the Gulf of Mexico When the Waves Are Flat
Since the waves are flat more often than not in many Gulf Coast destinations, there is a wide range of other activities available to enjoy under Florida’s hot sun.
The Gulf is great for many other water sports, like paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming.
There are also plenty of fishing boat tours, dolphin and manatee sightseeing tours, parasailing and banana boating, and more.
The Bottom Line: Surfing in the Gulf of Mexico
While you may not be treated to world-class waves on Florida’s west coast, you can experience gorgeous beaches and Caribbean-esque waters.
That being said, some very solid surf does come along once in a while when the stars align, so don’t count it out.
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