Picnic Tables is located near Patrick Air Force Base, positioned just off A1A. It’s one of the first dirt parking lots you’ll encounter while driving south from Cocoa Beach. This spot isn't a standout in the area, with better-known breaks nearby, but it offers its own unique experience if you're looking to catch some waves without the heavy crowd.
The waves here are generally peaky and can be fun, especially when there's a bit of swell. Picnic Tables can handle swell sizes from about 2ft to 8ft (0.6m to 2.4m). The most favorable conditions occur with swell coming from the North North East to East South East, breaking over a sandy bottom with some occasional rocks. This spot works best at low to mid-tide but can be surfed during high tide with mixed results. The usual wind direction is from the west, which can help shape those peaks. The wave direction varies - you can ride both right and left. This spot caters to surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts, and is suitable for a range of board types including shortboards and longboards.
Access to Picnic Tables is pretty straightforward, making it an easy stop along your journey. While the crowd factor can be manageable with plenty of space to spread out, do expect a bit more company on good days. The vibe is influenced by the military presence, so keeping things polite goes a long way. Fall through spring is really the best season to visit, especially around hurricane swells when conditions can improve. Just keep an eye out for submerged rocks when paddling out.
