The Surf Window

Melbourne Beach

Florida, USA

Beach breakBeginner

On Florida's Space Coast south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne Beach has some of the state's most consistent and quality beach break, a laid-back surf community that watches rocket launches from the lineup and has produced multiple professional surfers.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–SE 1–2m at 10–14s

Wind

W

Light to SW under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Nov

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks, often hollow and powerful for Florida

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Above-average Florida beach break with hollow peaks that reward experience

Hazards

  • •Shark sightings common, this is the shark bite capital of the world (Volusia County nearby)
  • •Strong rips in hurricane swells
  • •Can be crowded when good surf hits

Local Tips

  • •Watching a rocket launch from the lineup is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, check NASA's schedule
  • •Sebastian Inlet to the south is the Space Coast's premier surf spot
  • •Indian River Lagoon is behind the barrier island, an extraordinary ecosystem for kayaking

Location

Map showing the location of Melbourne Beach in Florida, USA

28.0684, -80.5608