Surf: Miami Beach’s best wave is found on the north side of the jetty, where waves from a N-NE swell refract off the jetty and wedge up into nice peaks and A-Frames when the sand is there. Also takes a SE to S windswell, which wraps around and spins off the best rights in the area. Low incoming is best, however with size it will break through to higher tides. The jetty provides some protection from southerly winds while a westerly is dead offshore. Environment: This is quintessential Miami and the last beach before the Florida Keys begin to stretch south and west. Attracts all species of humanity along with the countless surfers who descend on South Beach when there is any sniff of swell. An oasis of parkland amidst plenty of parking, this is an area worthy of its popularity. However, it’s very close to the estuary waters of downtown Miami and there are rumors of a discharge pipe near Fisher Island, which could have an affect on water quality. Surf: General: South Beach has the potential to deliver barreling, board-breaking peaks. During north or northeast swell conditions, the A-frames are shapeliest on the incoming tide with offshore (west to northwest) winds. And while it is known through most of the year as a spot that hardly ever works, South Beach can be the only spot breaking statewide when zero-degree north swells bypass the rest of the Florida coast. Tides: Low and incoming Size: Waist-high to 3 feet overhead Wind: W Swell: NNE, SE Bottom: Sand Paddling: Breaks pretty close to the beach. Spot Rating: Good windswell spot and gets really fun/chunky on SE windswells thanks to the extended jetty. Strong NNE swells are for experts only, although that doesn't stop the lesser skilled from having a crack. Access: Pretty easy overall. Crowds: Crowd Factor: This is Miami which has a ton of surfers, so expect crowds at any sign of surf. Local Vibe: The locals wait a long time for this place to get good, so be kind. Environment: Water surprisingly clean being near such a populated area. Hazards: Inexperience surfers and their boards getting lip launched on big days. When it's good, known your limits, this is a serious wave when it's on. Season: Fall-Spring