Bob Hall Pier surf guide
Surf: Bob Hall Pier is the most popular surf spot on the coast thanks to stable, shallow sandbars on both sides of the pier, that receive the full gamut of swells at all tides in all winds, producing punchier waves with steep drops and fast walls for the best surfers in the state.
Environment: With direct access from Corpus Christi and consistent waves, Bob Hall Pier is the number one scene of the “coastal bend” area, so crowds are a given, no matter what the conditions are like. Fishermen often clash with surfers and cast into the pack.
Surf: General: Bob Hall is the crown jewel of Texas Coastal Bend surfing of consistent waves and performance surfing. The sand is relatively stable, firing off consistent bowls to the north and south of the pier -- depending on swell direction -- along with secondary and tertiary peaks on each side that provide solid, strong surf from both ground and windswells. On the right combination of offshore winds and groundswell, hollow, steep drops that blend into long, workable, pushy walls can be found.
Tides: Medium
Size: Waist high to a few feet overhead
Wind: N, NW or W with swell
Swell: S, SE, E
Bottom: Sand.
Paddling: The rip by the pier makes easy to get out, however, most days the longshore currents will make it tough stay in position on the pier bowls.
Spot Rating: Can get really good with barrels on days with swell and light or offshore wind.
Access: Easy, free parking at the pier.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Packed on good swells.
Local Vibe: One of the most competitive lineups in Texas with lots of local chargers, however still relatively positive.
Environment: Relatively clean.
Hazards: Crowds, angry fisherfolk, sharks (some of the best shark fishing is done from the pier).
Season: Late summer/fall; late winter to mid-spring