Patrick Air Force Base surf guide
Surf: Various breaks opposite the large AFB with names like Missiles, Hangers, Second Light, First Light, Officer’s Club, and Patricks. There is some coquina shelf, however Cape Canaveral starts to affect the size and power of N swells. All tides and swells mean the consistent crowds have a choice of spots.
Environment: To avoid being towed by the Air Force, park only in designated parking areas, some of which have no facilities. Plenty of noisy air traffic. Area will be off limits in times of war.
Surf: General: A short drive south of First and Second Light on A1A is Patrick Air Force Base's next parking lot and corresponding break, Hangers. Once marked by Patrick Pier, Mother Nature obliterated the protrusion, leaving a few underwater pilings. Now the large airplane hanger across the road loans the break its name, and the military's loss is the surfers' gain. When it's big, the sand and pilings come together to create a steeper wave with more chance of consequence. But if you're scared of the pilings, just walk a few blocks south and surf in front of the NCO club.
Tides: Low to mid tide; High tide sometimes okay here
Size: Waist-3' overhead
Wind: W
Swell: NE-ENE-E
Bottom: Sand, rock and pilings
Paddling: Not too bad but can be challenging when the surf is bigger.
Spot Rating: Can get good here when the sand is right. Watch out for coquina bottom though. Not the best spot for lesser experienced surfers.
Access: Parking right off A1A.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Generally not that crowded.
Local Vibe: Mellow, paddle out and have fun.
Environment: Clean water for the most part but can get murky.
Hazards: Submerged rocks, old pilings from a former pier here.
Season: Fall-Spring, Hurricane