Finding a good place to surf in Florida might seem like a piece of cake at first. However many are not aware of the factors that can determine quality and low-quality.
To make it easier for you, we would like to recommend Haulover Beach we’ve visited recently.
Let’s check it out.
Haulover Beach
- Address: 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154
- Contact Number: (305) 947-3525
- Entry Fee: Free entry; Parking between $5 and $7.
Haulover is accessible, with the closest passenger airport being North Perry (Hollywood) Airport, around 10 miles away.
Haulover Beach is a favored spot for surfers of all skill levels. It benefits from its location near the Haulover Inlet, which contributes to its reliable wave action, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Local surf schools and instructors frequently recommend this spot for lessons because of the predictable surf conditions, which provide a safe, yet challenging environment for learning and improvement. If you do not know where to look for one of these, we recommend you check out SURF Miami Beach.
It is a mobile surf school operating throughout Miami Beach, including Haulover Beach.
Services Offered:
- Lessons: Available for individuals and groups with sessions consisting of 1-hour instruction and 1-hour practice. Costs range from $120 for one surfer to $360 for four, with additional surfers at $90 each.
- Rentals: Various types including soft tops and hard tops, with prices starting at $40 for an hour and up to $100 for four hours.
- Additional Programs: Offers summer surf camps, after-school surfing programs, surf fitness, and paddleboarding classes. Advanced coaching and surf tours are also available.
What Can You Expect?
Throughout the year, surfers can enjoy moderate waves that are perfect for honing skills or for enjoying a leisurely day on the water. The areas around the inlet, in particular, are well-known for their excellent surf, drawing enthusiasts eager to tackle the rolling waves.
The average sea temperature is 79,1°F (26,2°C), with air temperatures warm enough for surfers to wear boardshorts, a shorty, or a thin summer wetsuit. The best surf conditions occur when a North-northeast swell combines with an offshore wind direction from the west.
Both wind swells and groundswells occur in equal measure, and the best swell direction is from the north-northeast. The beach break provides left and right-handers, best around low tide when the tide is rising.
Surfable waves that hold up well for longer rides are typically found 2% of the time in January, while 18% of the time, conditions are blown out, and 80% of the time, waves are considered too small.
Surfers should beware of rips, obstacles, locals, pollution, and sharks. Lifeguards are stationed across the beach, enhancing safety for swimmers and surfers alike. The convenience of amenities directly on the beach enhances the experience significantly.
Vendors are readily available, offering everything from snacks to sunblock without the need to leave the beach. Rental services are available for those who need beach chairs ($10) and umbrellas ($15), providing comfort for a full day under the sun.
For those interested in activities beyond surfing, kite rentals and charter-fishing excursions are also available, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the marine environment. The easy access to bathrooms and showers is particularly appreciated, allowing visitors to comfortably spend the whole day there without the usual hassles.
The facilities are well-maintained, with clean restrooms and showers, contributing to an enjoyable and hassle-free experience.
Clothing-Optional Beach
One of the aspects of Haulover Beach is its clothing-optional section, which is one of the few such beaches in Florida.
The area is known for its relaxed atmosphere and demographic diversity, attracting a wide range of visitors from different backgrounds and cultures.
The clothing-optional approach offers a sense of freedom and liberation, appealing to those who prefer a more natural experience. The beach is frequented by both locals and tourists, and its popularity underscores a community that embraces diversity and freedom.
For visitors new to the concept, the clothing-optional beach at Haulover provides a safe and welcoming environment to explore this unique beach culture.
To Sum Up
Haulover Beach is easily the best go-to spot for surfing not just in Miami, but the whole of Florida.
If you have a chance to visit it, make sure you do.