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Crystal Beach is located on the Bolivar Peninsula, a piece of coastline north of the jetties that protect the Galveston Ship Channel. After Meacom’s mile-long pier was taken down in 2009, surfers have mostly focused on the breaks along Crystal Beach. The surf here is usually pretty average and tends to be smaller than what you can find further down at Galveston. If you're in the area, it might be worth checking out, but don't expect mind-blowing waves.
The surf generally handles swell sizes ranging from about 0.3 meters to just over 2.1 meters (1ft to 7ft). The optimal swell direction is southeast, with good breaks coming from the south and southeast as well. You can catch lefts and rights here, mostly on sand bottoms. The best times to surf are during low to medium to high tides. It’s important to note that the wind can be a factor; northwest winds are preferable for better conditions. This spot is suitable for beginners, so if you’re just starting out or riding a longboard or funboard, it can be a decent place to practice.
Access to the beach is easy, and while the crowd factor is generally minimal, you'll often find fellow surfers sharing the peaks. The vibe is friendly, and locals are usually stoked to see another surfer out enjoying the waves. If you’re planning to surf here, late summer through fall and late winter to mid-spring are the best seasons to visit.