Overview
Upham Beach Park is a classic right-hand pointbreak and one of West Florida's best points, sitting as the final surf option north of Champa Bay. The wave peels slowly and holds its power all the way to the beach, stringing together rides up to 100 yards on the right day. It breaks over a mix of sand and rock and works as both a point and a jetty setup. This is a post-frontal windswell wave, soft and slow, and a decent, dependable option in the Pinellas County area.
When It Works
The break draws swell from northwest through north to southwest (NW-N-SW), with northwest swell the best match and the source of its longest, cleanest rides. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft, covering everything from thigh-high days up to solid overhead. As a post-frontal windswell spot, it comes to life through spring, autumn, and winter, as well as during hurricane season.
Wind and Tide
Look for east-northeast (ENE) offshore wind to clean things up, with northeast and east winds also grooming the face nicely. The workable wind window runs from north-northwest through north to south-southeast (NNW-N-SSE), and it actually takes a bit of onshore to get the surf going in the first place. The wave prefers mid to high water, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
Upham suits just about everyone, from beginners through intermediates to experts, and it takes a wide quiver: shortboards, funboards, longboards, and even skimboards all have their place. Paddling out is easy most days, though the bigger windswell sessions can be more of a workout. Expect a busy lineup when it's breaking, with a somewhat reserved atmosphere in the water.
Access
Access is public, and the water is usually clean outside of the occasional red tide outbreak. The main thing to watch is the crowd itself, so keep your head up to avoid getting run over when the lineup fills in.
