Surfing in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach has a legitimate surf culture — not Hawaii-quality waves, but consistent enough to support a devoted community of surfers and multiple surf schools. The long stretches of beach break offer something for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

Where to Surf

New Smyrna Beach Inlet (20 min south) — The best wave in the area. The jetty at the Ponce Inlet creates a reliable break that works on most swells. Left and right breaks depending on swell direction. This is where the experienced surfers go. Also famous for shark encounters (mostly harmless blacktip sharks attracted by the baitfish).

Main Street Pier area — The pier creates wave refraction that can produce decent peaks on the right swell. Surfing near the pier is regulated — check the surfing zones (marked by flags/signs on the beach).

Ormond Beach — Consistent beach break, less crowded than Daytona proper. Good for beginners and intermediates.

Flagler Beach (30 min north) — A dedicated surf town north of Ormond Beach. The reef and rock formations offshore create breaks with more shape than typical beach breaks.

Surf Lessons & Rentals

Several surf schools operate on Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach. Group lessons typically run $50-75 per person for 90 minutes including board and instruction. Private lessons are $100-150.

Board rentals are available at multiple shops along Atlantic Avenue and at the beach rental stands during season. Expect $20-30 for a half-day softboard rental.

Conditions

Best season: September through November (hurricane season swells) and winter (northeast swells). Summer is typically flat with occasional tropical system swells.

Wave size: Usually 1-3 feet. On good days with swell, 3-5 feet. Overhead waves are rare but happen with tropical systems and strong northeast winds.

Water temperature: Ranges from 62°F in January to 83°F in September. Wetsuit recommended November through March (3/2mm is sufficient).

Tides: Best surfing is typically mid-tide to high tide. Low tide exposes the flat sand bottom and waves tend to close out.

→ Daytona Beach Fun Things To Do — Complete Guide → Daytona Beach Timeshare Promotions