HMO's surf guide

HMO's, short for "half-mile out," is a surf spot located in Destin, Florida, known for its mystique among local surfers. To find it, head west along the beach road until you’re nearly at the end and look for boat docks on your right. Surfers’ cars will give it away too. Once you get there, it’s about a 15-minute walk south along the pass to the east jetty before you can paddle out.

This spot really shines on big days when the right-hander transforms into a large, winding wave that breaks over a sandy bottom far out from the east jetty. You can expect sizes ranging from 6 to 10 feet (about 2 to 3 meters) or more. The best time to surf here is during a light outgoing tide or slack tide, but keep in mind that Destin Pass has a fast tidal flow—getting caught in it can mean a long paddle back. Strong paddlers will find this spot challenging but rewarding, especially when the swell comes in from the South, SouthEast, SouthWest, or East. Ideal winds are from the Northwest to Northeast, and the wave direction is right. This break isn’t for beginners; it’s best suited for those with expert abilities who are comfortable on shortboards, fish, or guns.

Although the crowd factor is low, surfers still need to be mindful of potential hazards like sharks and boats. The environment boasts beautiful emerald waters, making it a nice spot to catch waves. Surfing is typically better in the fall and spring, particularly during hurricane season, so that’s when you’ll want to keep an eye on conditions.