Perkins, also known as Lums, sits just south of Patrick Air Force Base, near where the A1A-Pineda Causeway marks the start of Satellite Beach. A public beach ramp sits right next door, on the site of the old Perkins restaurant. Shelves of coquina rock hold the sand here, and because that sand shifts with the ocean currents, the break stays relatively shallow and punchy. While nearby RC's draws more attention and bigger crowds, Perkins is valued for handling larger swells that tend to shut down where the bottom contours are less consistent.
When It Works
This is a beach break that peels both left and right over sand and rock, drawing swell from north-northeast to east (NNE-E). It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, and holds together in bigger swells better than many of its neighbors. The season runs through autumn, winter, and spring, with hurricane swells adding to the mix. It rates below average overall and the sand comes and goes, but it's worth a check when the setup lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for a west-southwest (WSW) offshore wind, with a workable wind window stretching from south through west to north-northwest (S-W-NNW). The break comes in on low and mid tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
Perkins suits intermediate and expert surfers on a shortboard. Expect a fairly quiet, somewhat reserved lineup. The paddle out isn't too bad in average conditions but gets more challenging when the surf is bigger, and there's shin-busting worm rock to watch for on the way out. The water here is usually very clean.
Access
Parking is very limited at the beach ramp next door, so plan around a scarce spot.
