Everything You Need to Know About Surfing in Cocoa Beach, Florida

Cocoa Beach, Florida, is a paradise for surfers of all levels. With consistent waves, warm waters, and a vibrant surf culture, this coastal town is a top destination for surf enthusiasts. Here’s everything you need to know about surfing in Cocoa Beach.

Why Surf in Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa Beach offers a unique blend of ideal surfing conditions and a welcoming community. The beaches’ gentle waves are perfect for beginners, while more experienced surfers can find challenging swells further out. The warm Atlantic waters and sunny weather make it a year-round surfing destination. Plus, the local surf shops, schools, and events create a supportive environment for surfers of all ages and skill levels.

Great Spots for Surfing – Beginners

1. Cocoa Beach Pier: This iconic spot is perfect for beginners. The waves here are generally small and manageable, making it an ideal place to learn the basics of surfing.
2. Lori Wilson Park: Known for its less crowded waves and beautiful scenery, Lori Wilson Park offers a relaxed environment for novice surfers to practice and improve their skills.
3. Shepard Park: Another great spot for beginners, Shepard Park provides gentle waves and easy access to amenities like restrooms and picnic areas.

Great Spots for Surfing – Advanced

1. Second Light: Located near Patrick Space Force Base, Second Light is popular among local surfers for its more challenging waves. This spot is best suited for experienced surfers looking for a thrill.
2. Sebastian Inlet: Just a short drive from Cocoa Beach, Sebastian Inlet is famous for its powerful waves and consistent swells. It’s a must-visit for advanced surfers seeking a challenge.
3. RC’s: Known for its reef break, RC’s offers some of the best waves in the area. This spot is recommended for expert surfers who are comfortable navigating more complex wave patterns.

How to Prepare for Your Day of Surfing

Check Conditions: Before heading out, check local forecasts and surf reports via Surfline.

Pack Smart: Sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, surfboard, leash, and wax are all essentials.

Dress for the Weather: In cooler months, a wetsuit might be necessary. In summer, board shorts and a rash guard will do.

Learn to Surf in Cocoa Beach

New to surfing or ready to level up? These local surf schools offer lessons for every age and experience level:

• Shoreline Surf School: Instructors have at least 5 years experience and are CPR certified. They can teach beginners or coach experienced surfers. Located at the Hilton in Cocoa Beach, you can eat a tasty lunch afterwards while watching the ocean at their Castaways bar.
• School of Surf: This family-owned surf school provides personalized lessons and coaching for surfers of all levels
• Ron Jon Surf School: Located near the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, this school offers private and group lessons, as well as surf camps for kids.
• Cocoa Beach Surf School: With experienced instructors and a focus on safety, this school is a great choice for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Where to Rent Surf Gear

Don’t have your own gear? No problem! Cocoa Beach has plenty of rental shops where you can find everything you need for a day on the waves:

• Shoreline Venture, Hilton Beach Services
• Ron Jon Surf Shop: This iconic surf shop offers a wide range of rental equipment, including surfboards, bodyboards, and wetsuits.
• Cocoa Beach Surf Company: Located next to the Cocoa Beach Pier, this shop provides high-quality rental gear and friendly service.
• Flohana

Surfing Stars of the Space Coast

Cocoa Beach is home to some of the most famous surfers in the world, including:

• Kelly Slater: An 11-time World Surf League champion, Kelly Slater grew up in Cocoa Beach and is considered one of the greatest surfers of all time.
• Caroline Marks: Is the 2023 World Surf League Women’s World Tour Champion and an Olympic gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She has lived with her family in Merritt Island.
• Lisa Andersen: A four-time world champion, Lisa Andersen is a trailblazer for women in surfing and hails from Ormond Beach, just north of Cocoa Beach.
• Frieda Zamba: The first 4 time female world champion, she originates from nearby Flagler Beach.
• Damien and CJ Hobgood: These twin brothers, both surfed on the World Tour and hail originally from nearby Satellite Beach.

Learn More

• https://www.visitspacecoast.com/blog/top-ten-surfing-spots-on-floridas-space-coast/
• https://www.americansurfmagazine.com/article/cocoa-beach-surf-guide

Question to Julie

Here are some questions out of the community to Julie:

What board would you recommend for a beginner? and what material? I would recommend a soft top longboard to learn on. It’s more stable and forgiving and easier to catch waves when the waves are small.

Are there any signs that indicate sharks are in the water and that you shouldn’t go in? You should never surf when there is a lot of baitfish in the water. Also, if there is a lifeguard nearby, look for purple flags that indicate dangerous sea life. It’s always safer too to surf when there are other surfers in the water.

What’s your favorite surf spot in Cocoa Beach and why? The Cocoa Beach Pier is always the most crowded when there are waves, but you can surf a lot of uncrowded waves along our coast. Lori Wilson Park is also a good spot but can sometimes be crowded with swimmers in the water during the summer. 16th Street is popular spot, but I just go out at 6th Street South which is close to where I live and it’s usually not crowded.

What makes Cocoa Beach different from other famous surf towns? Despite its location next to a major port and near the Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach still has a small town feel. It’s unique in the sense of its rich history in surfing and is home to the Florida Surfing Museum; not to mention Cocoa Beach is home to the one of the biggest surfers of all time, Kelly Slater.

Share your Surf Spot!

Do you have a favorite Cocoa Beach surf spot? Let us know in the comments! Got insider tips or local gems? We’d love to hear them.