Lake Worth Pier surf guide

Lake Worth Pier is located between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, right off A1A. It's a popular surf spot but not always the greatest. The pier has a bit of a sketchy reputation, mostly due to its history of localism, but things have calmed down quite a bit over the years. The spot has easy access with metered parking available for $1/hour, but be careful about those meters; they are strictly enforced.

This pier usually works best on northeast swells, handling sizes from about 1 meter (3 ft) to 4.5 meters (15 ft). The south side of the pier is your go-to during nor’easters, especially when there’s not too much underlying swell. You can catch both left and right waves here, and depending on the conditions, it gets pretty lively. Sandbars can form well, providing good peaks. The waves tend to break over sand, making the south side the hot spot when swells come from the north or southeast. Expect to find chest to head-high waves (around 1.2 to 2.1 meters) on the inside and even double overhead on the outside when the swell is pumping. Low to high tide is usually ideal, and with the right wind coming from the west, you can have a blast out there.

It’s worth noting that the crowds can get pretty thick here, especially on good days. The overall vibe has definitely mellowed, but it still pays to show some respect in the water. Watch out for fishermen and the possibility of sharks, as they can be around. Beginner surfers can find some fun waves here, especially on smaller swell days, but if you’re comfortable in the water, you’ll likely enjoy the punch this pier has to offer during the fall, spring, and winter. Just remember, when it's big, be prepared and maybe grab a bigger board to handle the chop.