Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GET YOUR BOARD ON
Eleven-time world-champion surfer Kelly Slater is from Cocoa Beach, and four-time wo-
men's champion Lisa Anderson is from Ormond Beach. Both first learned how to carve in
Space Coast waves, in the shadow of rockets, and Slater honed his aerials at Sebastian
Inlet.
All of which is to say that while Florida's surf may be considered 'small' by Californian
and Hawaiian standards, Florida's surfing community and history are not. Plus, Florida
makes up in wave quantity what it may lack in wave size.
Nearly the entire Atlantic Coast has rideable waves, but the best spots are gathered
along the Space Coast, which has surf lessons, rentals and popular competitions: shoot
for Cocoa Beach, Indialantic, Sebastian Inlet and Playalinda Beach. However, you'll find
tiny, longboard-friendly peelers from Fort Lauderdale down to Miami's South Beach, al-
though the presence of the Bahamas offshore prevents Miami from being a truly great
surfing destination. In general, you'll find the big waves end at around Jupiter Beach.
Florida's northern Atlantic Coast is less attractive, partly due to chilly winter water, but
consistent, 2ft to 3ft surf can be had at Daytona Beach; from Flagler Beach up to St
Augustine; and around Amelia Island.
Canoeing & Kayaking
To really experience Florida's swamps and rivers, its estuaries and inlets, its lagoons and
barrier islands, you need a watercraft, preferably the kind you paddle. The intimate quiet
of dipping among mangroves, cruising alligators and startled ibis stirs wonder in the soul.
The winter 'dry' season is best for paddling. That's because 'dry' in Florida is still pretty
darn wet. So why come during the dry season? Because evaporation and receding water-
lines force wildlife into highly visible concentrations amid the state's waterways and pools.
In summer, canoe near cool, freshwater springs and swimming beaches, because you'll be
dreaming about them.
In terms of rivers, the 207-mile Suwannee River is quintessential Florida: a meandering,
muddy ribbon (ideal for multiday trips) decorated with 60 clear blue springs that runs from
Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp to the Gulf of Mexico. About 170 miles are an official
wil-
Park actually has some Class III rapids - woo-hoo!
