Surf: General: 51st Street is a chunky option in Galveston. You'll notice that both breaks tend to feature more shortboarders and increased competition in the lineup because of the grinding, hollow nature of the surf, so if you're a just-beginning surfer in the area, you might want to look for other peaks up or down the beach that aren't being so intensely surfed. Tides: Medium to high Size: Waist to head high Wind: N, NW, WNW with swell Swell: S, SE Bottom: Sand. Paddling: Can be tough to stay in position if it is breaking outside the jetty. Spot Rating: Above average groin in Galveston. Access: Easy, paid parking on the seawall. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Moderate. Local Vibe: Positive. Environment: Proximity to Houston shipping channel and runoff from Galveston equals often not the best water quality Hazards: Strong currents near the jetty. Season: Late summer/fall; late winter to mid-spring