Dead Man's surf guide

Dead Man's, originally named in the '70s after a body washed ashore, is located near the Gulfarium in Fort Walton Beach. This surf spot has a bit of history, as it once referred to the remains of the first Okaloosa Island Pier, which is long gone now. Instead, surfers find a small outflow pipe from the Gulfarium Marine Life Park's porpoise tanks that still releases saltwater, acting like a tiny rivermouth. Access to the spot is easy, just follow Highway 98 east towards Destin and turn into the Okaloosa Pier parking lot, which is about two miles from Brooks Bridge.

When it comes to surfing conditions, Dead Man's offers a fast, hollow left-hander on small to medium east swells. The waves usually range from waist to head high (about 1 to 2 meters). The ride breaks over a shallow sandbar, which can deliver some solid, head-busting force. This spot generally handles swell sizes from 4 to 7 feet (1.2 to 2.1 meters) and works best with swells coming from the South, South-SouthEast, SouthWest, and anywhere in between. It's best surfed on low to mid tide with NW to NE winds in play. Paddling can be a breeze on smaller days, but it gets a bit tougher when the swells pick up, so it’s more suited for intermediate to expert surfers using shortboards.

The crowd can vary from average to high, so you might not always have the waves to yourself. The vibe is pretty mellow overall, but don’t be surprised if it gets a bit crowded on good days. The best time to surf here is during the fall through spring, especially during hurricane swells when the conditions can really turn on. Just keep in mind, this spot won't blow your mind, but it's worth checking out if you're in the area and looking to get some waves.