43rd St surf guide

43rd St is one of the many groins you’ll find in Galveston. It tends to be less crowded than some of the other spots along the seawall, making it a decent choice if you want to avoid a big lineup. Access is pretty easy with paid parking available close by, so you won't have to hike too far with your gear.

This spot can handle swells coming from the east, southeast, and even south. It usually works best with swell sizes from about 2 to 7 feet (0.6 to 2.1 meters) and can provide peaks on both sides of the jetty. When it’s breaking, you'll find beach breaks, as well as some action off the jetty, with waves peeling right and left. The ideal wind directions are from the west and northwest. For tide heights, mid to high is where it’s at. It caters to all surfer levels, from beginners to experts, and you can use a variety of boards here, including shortboards, funboards, longboards, and fish.

Keep an eye on the currents, especially around the jetty since they can get pretty strong. The best surf seasons are late summer to fall and late winter through mid-spring, so time your visits around those months for a better chance at good waves.