Hannah Park/Mayport Poles is a stretch of beach located south of the long jetty that protects the southern entrance to the St. Johns River. This area is part of the Mayport US Naval Station, which uses the inlet side of the jetty for safe harbor. Parking lots 1-6 in Hanna Park are the best spots to access the break known as Mayport Poles. Walking north to other breaks was restricted in the past, but now access is generally open unless specific circumstances arise. Besides Mayport Poles, you'll also find breaks like Lighthouse and Officers Club, though overall, the waves tend to be pretty similar around here.
The waves here handle swells from various directions, but they work best with a NorthEast swell. The size can be anywhere from about 0.3 meters (1 ft) and can provide some decent rides. As you move closer to the jetty, the wave size tends to decrease, especially with a North/Northeast swell. However, you can find cleaner conditions in onshore winds. The breaks often deliver hollow peaks, which can give you longer lefts and shorter rights with quite a bit of power. The waves are suitable for beginners, making it a great spot to practice your technique.
This area can accommodate consistent crowds, so don’t be surprised if it gets busy on good days. The beach offers a wide area, which helps manage the number of surfers popping up in the water. Besides that, you’ll want to keep in mind the preferable wind direction, which is from the west, and the tides can work well at low, mid, or high levels. Enjoy your time catching waves!