880 surf guide

Surf spot 880 is located at the north end of Clearwater Beach, specifically at 880 Mandalay Blvd. It's part of a double-sandbar beachbreak, which makes it a popular spot for surfers looking to ride the waves. While the area is patrolled and general surfing at Clearwater's public beach isn’t allowed, many surfers find their way to this spot. To get there, you can take U.S. Highway 19 south onto Gulf To Bay Road, then head west to Gulf Boulevard, which runs along the beach. Expect parking to be a bit hit or miss, especially during the summer when the beach is crowded with tourists.

The surf here is best on a north/northwest swell, and longboarders often catch waves outside while shortboarders can ride the reform on the inside. Waves typically range from thigh high up to about 1 foot overhead (roughly 0.5 to 2 meters). However, be prepared as they can dump quickly and sometimes painfully in the shallows. The spot works well with swell sizes around 3 to 6 feet (about 0.9 to 1.8 meters) and tends to require mid to high tides for the best conditions. Winds from the north/northeast to southeast are preferable to keep things clean, while onshore winds can help generate some surf. Since it's a beach break, the bottom is sandy, making paddling generally easy most days, though it can get trickier during bigger windswell days.

If you're planning to surf here, it's a good spot for all levels, from beginners to experts, although you won't find the best waves around as it can be rated below average. Expect minimal crowds, and the vibe is pretty chill. This spot is more about having a casual surf rather than scoring epic waves, and many locals might opt for other areas if they’re looking for something better. The surf season runs from fall to spring, with potential swells during hurricane season adding some excitement.