New Smyrnians who love the waves - paddle surf, surf, boogie, body surf, skim, jump in, or just come spectate.
No experience needed - just a love of the ocean. Surfy's is the surf corner of Fit Life NSB: a place to learn to read the water, pick your own day, and look out for each other.
It is not a class or a club with a schedule. Beginners are welcome, and spectators are too.
Know Your Numbers
What the forecast is actually telling you. Everyone is different: a fun day for one person is too much for another, so know your own level and when in doubt, sit it out.
Wave Size
Forecasts give the height of the swell, and the peak of the break can run bigger. At 4 ft, an overhead wave is possible.
Period
Seconds between waves. 8 to 12 usually means cleaner, more rideable surf. Short and choppy means mush. Long means more power, and a harder paddle out.
Wind
Offshore is the goal. Under 5 mph or glassy is great. Onshore wind makes it bumpy, which paddle surfers feel most. Winds change, so check right before you go.
Tide
Tide changes how the waves break, and how soft the sand is if you drive on the beach. Look it up before you head out.
Rip Currents
The risk matters most for swimmers, but surfers should know where they are. Check the flags and the daily rip current risk.
If You're Caught in a Rip
Don't fight it. Swim parallel to shore until you're out of it, then angle back in. Stay calm and signal for help if you need it.
What It Means for You
Same ocean, different days for different people.
Surfers
Often best: 1 to 3 ft, 8+ seconds, light or offshore wind.
Beginners learn best on small days, on the whitewash close to shore with a friend. Skip it when it gets big. Experienced surfers: watch the currents, and you know the deal.
Paddle Surfers & Paddleboarders
Best: small waves or flat water, wind under 5 mph.
Onshore wind makes the water bumpy, and big shore break is no place for a board. Wear a leash and wait for a calm morning when it's rough.
Boogie Boarders & Body Surfers
Best: small to medium waves.
Shore break gets heavy when the swell is big. Stay knee-deep at most on those days, or sit it out.
Beachgoers & Spectators
Best: any day, if you stay smart.
Stay at the water's edge when it's rough and keep kids close. Watch the flags, and watch the soft sand and tide if you drive on the beach.
Check the Surf
Waves, wind and flags for New Smyrna Beach. Forecasts miss sometimes, so what you see at the beach is what counts.
New to It? Start Here
Buddy up. Never go out alone. Bring a friend and keep each other in sight.
Start on a soft-top. Bigger, more stable, and a lot more forgiving while you're learning.
Practice in the whitewash. Let the wave break, catch the foam, and practice standing, close to shore with a friend. Skip it on big days.
Learn to fall safely. Cover your head, come up slow, and hang on to your board.
Check the flags first. Know the day's rip current risk before you wade in.
Leave when it changes. Wind, tide and swell shift fast. Walk out when it stops feeling right.
Where to Go
Show up anywhere from Flagler Ave to Marianne Clancy Park. You can park at the beach, Flagler Ave, Marianne Clancy, or Detwiler Park. If you're driving on the beach, drive north and look for a spot where the waves are hitting sandbars just how you like.
Get the Surf Report
Look for the Fit Life NSB Weekend Surfcast on our Facebook page: what the weekend looks like for surfers, paddle surfers, boogie boarders and beachgoers. On good beginner days we also post a Beginners Surf Window.
Fit Life NSB on Facebook →Quick Answers
Do I need experience?
No. A love of the ocean is enough. Start on small days, close to shore, with a friend.
Is Surfy's a class or a club?
Neither. There's no instructor and no schedule. It's an opportunity to get out and try something, at your own pace. You choose your day.
What if the waves are flat?
Flat days are great for paddleboarding and for a swim. Check the wind and the rip current risk first.
Do I have to be a member to use this page?
No. Everything on this page is free for anyone. Joining just adds you to the Fit Life NSB community.
Join the Fit Life NSB Community
Surfy's is the surf channel in our free community Portal: a friendly place to check conditions and find a buddy. No schedule, no pressure. You pick your day.
Join Free →This is an opportunity to get out and try something, not a coached or supervised session. Show up as you are, at your own pace and at your own risk. Check conditions yourself and never go out alone. Subject to change. Terms & Code of Conduct: https://fitlifensb.com/terms
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