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Dauphin Island is a known surf spot in Alabama, located in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a bit hidden away, and with just about 50 miles of swell exposure, the breaks here can be pretty inconsistent. The area features shallow sand flats that can impact the size and quality of the waves, meaning surfers generally need a solid local or tropical swell to find rideable conditions. The Dauphin Island Pier is often considered the most reliable setup in the area, especially during a well-angled hurricane swell with the right winds.
The surf scene at Dauphin Island sees waves ranging from 2 to 6 feet (roughly 0.6 to 1.8 meters), mostly working best during the autumn and winter months. The beach breaks here can offer both lefts and rights, especially when the winds are coming from the north or north-northeast. When it’s on, the waves can be fun for beginners and intermediates alike, breaking over a sandy bottom. However, most of the time it's pretty small and weak, so don't expect epic sessions every day. Tides also play a role, with low to mid range tides being the most favorable.
Access to the surfing spots is good, with public access year-round for a small environmental fee. The crowd factor tends to be pretty low, so you might find yourself sharing the waves with only a few locals who are generally friendly and welcoming. Whether you ride a shortboard, fish, funboard, or longboard, if you’re looking to surf here, be prepared to make the most out of the moments when the swell does come through.