51st Street surf guide

51st Street is a decent surf spot located in Galveston. It's an option that tends to attract a mix of surfers, with both shortboarders and beginners showing up to ride the waves. The vibe here is generally positive, though you might notice a bit of crowding, especially during peak times. Getting to the beach is pretty easy, with paid parking available along the seawall.

The surf here can be pretty varied, handling swell sizes from about 2 to 7 feet (approximately 0.6 to 2.1 meters). You'll find waves breaking over sand, with both right and left options depending on the swell direction. The preferred wind directions for the best conditions are from the NW, NNW, and N. The tides work best when they're mid to high, so keep that in mind. Since both breaks are known to have some grinding, hollow surf, it might not be the best spot for absolute beginners, so if you're just starting out, you might want to check out other areas along the beach.

In terms of surfing abilities, 51st Street caters to beginners, intermediates, and experts alike, thanks to its sandy bottom and various wave types, including beach and jetty breaks. The spot tends to be more crowded, so it's a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and respect fellow surfers. The best seasons to catch good waves are late summer and fall, as well as late winter through mid-spring.