The Shoals

📍 Local Knowledge

The Shoals in North Florida is an exposed sandbar break that only works occasionally and lacks a consistent seasonal pattern. It performs best with offshore winds from the west and handles a mix of windswells and groundswells, with an ideal swell direction from the east-southeast. Despite its potential, it remains relatively uncrowded even on good days. Surfers should exercise caution due to various hazards, including rips, pollution, sea urchins, localism, and marine wildlife like sharks—though the area is shark-protected. The best surf tends to occur in summer, especially in July, when clean, rideable waves align with favorable wind and swell conditions.