Flagship surf guide

Flagship is a surf spot located at the end of 25th Street on Galveston Island, taking its name from the now-defunct Flagship Hotel. This area has been transformed into the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier after the hotel was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008. Flagship is known for its stable sandbars near the pier and adjacent jetties, making it a popular destination for surfers seeking consistent waves, especially those who ride longboards. However, it can get crowded with surfers coming from nearby cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston, which often makes the line-up quite busy.

The surf here can range from mediocre to good, producing waves that generally work best with a southeast swell. You can expect wave heights from about 0.3 meters (1 ft) to 2.1 meters (7 ft), primarily breaking over sand. The waves can form nice bowl sections on both sides of the pier, with a mix of rights and soft left runners down the beach depending on the swell angle. Ideal conditions are when the wind is blowing from the northwest, and it works well at low, medium, and high tides. While it's possible to shortboard here, Flagship is predominantly a longboard spot, but most surfers will find something to ride. The consistent longshore currents can make paddling a bit of a workout, so be prepared for that.

Accessing Flagship is easy, with paid parking available along the seawall, so you won't have to hike too far to get to the water. The local vibe is generally positive; just keep the etiquette in mind, and you’ll likely have a good time. The spot caters to various abilities, making it suitable for everyone from beginners to more seasoned surfers. During the late summer to fall and late winter to mid-spring, it’s common to see a mix of board types making their way to Flagship, including shortboards, funboards, longboards, fish, and SUPs.