Tiffany Haney
The Florida Panhandle is a great place for surfing, with warm waters and plenty of fantastic beginner spots. The Gulf Coast of Florida includes the West Coast and the Pan Handle, and while summers bring long flat spells, tropical storms can stir things up. When the conditions are right, the surf can be amazing, and the water is emerald green. The Pensacola/Navarre area is known for stronger and more frequent surf, but you can also head to eastern Destin for a decent longboard wave. If you're looking for a more relaxed activity, the Panhandle also offers surf fishing, with a variety of fish to catch, from pompano to cobia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Florida Panhandle |
| Best spots | Destin, Pensacola/Navarre, Naples Pier, Orange Beach/Gulf Shores Alabama |
| Best time to surf | Tropical storms bring the best waves |
| Water colour | Emerald green |
| Beach type | White sand |
| Consistency of waves | Waves can be short-lived |
| Water depth | Ankle to waist depth is common |
| Fishing gear | Surf rod and reel in the 8' to 12' range |
| Bait | Small float with pyramid or spider leads |
| Fish types | Pompano, Whiting, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, Blue Runners, Bonita, Catfish, Sharks |
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What You'll Learn
Surfing in Destin, Florida
For those eager to learn or improve their surfing skills, Destin has its first and only surf school, Ride On Surf School. They offer a range of lesson plans for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced surfers looking to fine-tune their abilities. The school provides group and private lessons, surf camps, and even surfing parties, catering to both adults and children. Reviews for the school are overwhelmingly positive, with parents and students praising the instructors for their passion, patience, and professionalism.
When it comes to surfing spots in Destin, there are a few locations worth considering. Jetty East Condos is known for its big waves, especially during winter after northwest winds. The waves here can range from 6 to 8 feet and, on rare occasions, climb to 10 feet. However, surfers should be cautious of the fast tidal flows in this area. NCO Beach Club is another option, located about a mile from Destin's west jetty. This spot offers swell conditions without the same degree of drift as other beaches, and surfers can take advantage of waves all the way from the jetty to the beach club.
While Destin may not be renowned for its consistent surf, it does offer enough to satisfy those who are eager to get in the water. With the right conditions and a bit of exploration, surfers in Destin can find enjoyable waves and a supportive community to match.
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Best spots for surf fishing
Surf fishing on the Florida Panhandle is an adventure. The beaches of the Emerald Coast are a gem for surf fishing enthusiasts. The Panhandle offers an incredible diversity of pursuits for anglers, including bottom fishing for pompano, whiting, and redfish. You can also target Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, blue runners, and bonitas when they cruise along the surface.
The best spots for surf fishing in the Panhandle include the Emerald Coast, which is known for its beautiful green waters and prolific cobia migrations in the spring. Destin is another great option, with its impressive fleets of charter boats and distant offshore fisheries. The jetties at Destin's East Pass offer a unique experience for those seeking more adventure.
For those looking for a more relaxed fishing experience, the piers in the region provide comfortable conditions for anglers. The beaches between Daytona and St. Augustine are also worth considering, as well as the area between the FL/GA line and Vero Beach, which offers good to great surf fishing.
When planning your surf fishing trip, keep in mind that tides and weather play a significant role. The best times to fish are when the tide is rising or falling, especially during the early morning and late afternoon in the warmer months. During the winter, fish in the days leading up to a cold front when the temperatures are slightly warmer and there is a southerly wind with some wave action.
If you're new to surf fishing, consider renting gear from companies like Panhandle Salt, which offers surf fishing gear rentals and experienced guides to enhance your chances of a great catch. They can also recommend the best spots to cast your line.
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The right gear for surfing
Surfing is a fun activity, but it requires the right gear to make the most of it. Here is a list of essential items you will need to have a safe and enjoyable surfing experience:
The Surfboard
The surfboard is the most important piece of equipment. There are several types of surfboards available, each designed for different wave conditions and experience levels. For beginners, a longer and wider board is usually recommended for improved stability and balance. More experienced surfers may prefer shorter boards that offer greater manoeuvrability.
The Wetsuit
A wetsuit is essential for keeping you warm in the water and allowing you to stay out for longer. The type of wetsuit you choose will depend on the water temperature and climate. Spring suits are suitable for warmer waters, while full suits are better for colder conditions. Wetsuits also come in different thickness levels, with 2mm, 3/2mm, and 4/3mm being the most common.
Surf Fins and Leash
Surf fins provide stability, performance, and drive to your surfboard. The most common fin setups include single-fin, twin-fin, thruster, quad, and five-fin configurations. Additionally, a leash will keep your surfboard close by if you fall or wipe out, preventing it from shooting off towards the shore or into other surfers.
Traction and Grip
Surf wax applied to the deck of your board provides traction and grip, helping you stay on the board while paddling and riding the wave. Traction pads can also be used, which last longer than wax if well maintained.
Sun Protection
Surfers are exposed to the sun's UV rays for extended periods, so sun protection is crucial. A high-SPF sunscreen will help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Surf hats, caps, and lip balms with sun protection can also be useful to shield your face and lips from the sun.
Surf Watch
A surf watch is a portable wrist computer that provides valuable data such as wave height, period, wind speed, direction, and tide times for various surf spots worldwide. It helps you stay informed about the conditions and track your surfing sessions.
Other Accessories
Depending on the water temperature and your comfort, you may also consider gloves, boots, and a hood to protect yourself from extremely low temperatures. Additionally, surf cameras can be a great way to capture your rides, analyse your technique, and share your experiences with others.
Remember, the right gear can greatly enhance your surfing experience, so take the time to choose items that suit your needs and preferences.
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The right gear for surf fishing
Surf fishing is a popular type of saltwater fishing. It is quite different from regular casting as it requires longer casts and the tide, waves, and current demand heavier weights. The right gear is essential to get the bait to where the fish are feeding and keep it there.
- A good bait knife is essential for slicing and dicing fresh or frozen bait.
- A sand spike or rod holder is useful when the bite is slow, allowing you to relax while waiting for a catch.
- A beach chair will make your fishing experience more comfortable.
- A surf and beach cart with balloon tires, such as the Sea Striker Balloon Tire Fishing Cart, will help you transport your gear across soft and loose sand.
- A fishing rod that disassembles into easy-to-transport sections is ideal for travelling to and from the beach.
- A soft-sided tackle box with a shoulder strap is more convenient than a hard-sided box for carrying to and from the beach.
- A backpack version, such as the Calcutta Squall Tackle Backpack, can carry your gear as well as water, beverages, and snacks.
- A smartphone or camera will help you capture your memories, even if you release your catch.
Additionally, local bait shops can provide advice on the right gear and bait for your surf fishing trip. Knowing the local regulations is also important when preparing for surf fishing in a particular area.
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Surfing conditions in the Panhandle
During the summer, long flat spells are common, with the occasional tropical storm stirring up the waters. Local surfers have to act quickly when the surf is up, as conditions can change rapidly. In the fall and winter, hurricane season brings cold fronts and the possibility of nice swells. When a tropical storm hits the Panhandle directly, it can create some of the best waves in the state, with emerald green waters and pristine white sand beaches. However, even with a big southern swell, the waves can be short-lived, turning off as quickly as they turn on.
In terms of specific locations, the southwest Naples Pier is a popular spot for surfers, despite the waves not being considered world-class. The Pensacola/Navarre area is known for stronger and more frequent surf, making it a good option for longboarders. Eastern Destin also offers decent longboard waves, with crystal clear waters and a big trough between sandbars that keeps boards from washing ashore. On the other hand, the inside sandbar in Destin can be super dumpy and pitchy when the waves are more than thigh-high, so longboarders should exercise caution.
The Gulf Coast of Florida, including the Panhandle, experiences swells generated by distant storms or weather systems, known as longer-period swells, as well as locally generated shorter-period swells. Longer-period swells result in larger, more powerful, and cleaner waves, while shorter-period swells indicate waves that have travelled shorter distances and tend to be smaller. The angle at which a swell approaches the coast also affects the wave energy, with certain areas experiencing wave focusing or wave shadowing, resulting in larger or smaller waves, respectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can surf on the Florida Panhandle. The Gulf Coast of Florida includes the West Coast and the Pan Handle. The surf can be amazing when the conditions are right.
Destin, Florida, is a great spot for surfing on the Panhandle. It is a cozy beachfront city located in the Panhandle, between Pensacola and Tallahassee. The Pensacola/Navarre area is also good for surfing.
The summer brings long flat spells with occasional tropical storms that stir things up. Conditions can change rapidly, so local surfers take what they can get and act quickly when the surf is up.
