Surfing in Daytona Beach, FL

Though many people think of Hawaii when they think of surfing, the sport and Florida are actually closely tied together. And though the surf quality isn’t what it might be in other parts of the world, the state has earned a reputation as home to many skilled and award-winning surfers.

Stand-up surfing actually came to Florida in the 1930s, and was first introduced in Miami Beach. However, by the latter part of that decade, Daytona Beach had become the surf capital of the Eastern Seaboard and it was there that the first surf competition on the East Coast was held in 1939. Though the sport died out during the World War II, it enjoyed a re-emergence in the 1950s and due to the efforts of clubs like the Daytona Beach Surfing Association, established in 1960, thousands of young (and not-so-young) athletes learned how to surf on the waves off Daytona Beach. The city was also home to the first official “surf shop” in the state.

Today, the area around Daytona Beach, Ponce Inlet, and New Smyrna Beach are still some of the most popular areas in the state for surfing and there are several annual surfing events that take place in the region each year, with more being added to the roster all the time. As a matter of fact, New Smyrna Beach is often lauded for having the most consistent waves in Florida.

May through July is the flattest time of year at Daytona and therefore they are the months during which you’ll have the least success in your surfing endeavors. However, most of the surf schools in the area do offer lessons year round, so if you’re vacationing in the Daytona Beach area during the summer, you will be able to sign up for lessons regardless of the size of the surf. Late summer and early fall – during hurricane season – is the best time to take advantage of larger swells. Furthermore, the water is still balmy during this time of year, so surfing is comfortable without a wet suit. The surf is a lot colder in the winter months, especially January through March, so the proper gear will be required. The spring months bring some small swells and warmer water.

There are a number of surf schools in and around the Daytona Beach area and it is indeed a good idea for beginners to sign up for a few lessons, especially for safety reasons. At these schools, experienced instructors teach students not only the intricacies of timing and positioning but also about water safety and ocean conditions, instruction that is essential for all surfers regardless of skill level.

Most of the schools provide group or semi-private lessons for beginners using soft surfboards for safety reasons. Prices vary and lessons generally range from one hour to three hours. Some of these surf schools also run week-long summer camps for a variety of ages.

Currently, the premiere surf school in the area is Daytona Beach Surfing School, located in nearby Ormond Beach. (www.daytonasurfingschool.com) Instructors at this school conduct lessons year round at the Grand Seas Resort in Daytona Beach, convenient to anyone visiting the area.

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