Pompano Joe's is a surf spot located along the beautiful Emerald Coast. The area is well-known for its clear water and sandy beaches. You can find it by following Old Highway 98 east, where there’s a large parking area available. Visitors can also access bathrooms and showers, making it convenient for surfers. While the location has great views of the Gulf, it’s not exclusively a surf destination; surfers often visit for the decent conditions but might not come just for this spot alone.
The surf here generally works best from low to mid tide. It can handle swell sizes from about 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 meters), and breaks over a sandy bottom. You can catch both right and left waves, which are typical for beach breaks like this one. The waves are usually waist to overhead high. The preferred wind directions are from the northwest to northeast, which can help create better conditions. Overall, the surf is suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts, but keep in mind that larger swells can definitely make paddling tougher.
Pompano Joe's does not get crowded, so you can enjoy some time in the water without worrying too much about other surfers. The crowd factor is minimal, and the local vibe is pretty mellow, making it a friendly place for surfers of all levels. The best times to visit are generally during the fall and spring seasons, including when a hurricane swell rolls through.