Surf: So much sand has built up near the short north jetty of Anastasia Inlet that finding good waves here is becoming a rare occurrence. Occasional good bodyboarding in the shorepound is the norm these days. However, there is some protection from a SE wind at either side of high tide when smaller swells get through the deeper inlet water and pitch on the shallow banks close to shore. Environment: The consistency and crowding of Vilano has dropped considerably in recent years unless you’re a bodyboarder or skimboarder. On-beach parking for 4WD. Surf: General: In general, all of this North Beach area is good on hurricane swells and northeasters, as it handles large swells well, maybe even better than most places to the south. On the downside, when the waves are small, North Beach is even smaller. The exception, of course, is Vilano Beach, located approximately 100 yards north of St. Augustine Inlet. The wave has been called St. Augustine's answer to Sebastian Inlet. It's not as consistent, can be smaller than its counterpart and is even more fickle, but, over the years this has been one of North Florida's most powerful breaks. During a S swell, it comes forth from the deep-dredged outwater of the Inlet, hits the shifty sandbars and jacks. Bowls and wedges make for pitching tubes, sometimes just 10 feet off the beach.

Get ready for coquina sand in your baggies, as the wave dumps and spits you out right on the sand. No wonder it's become a skimboarder's heaven, even on small days. The downside of this break is Vilano only works on high tide, as the water needs to get over the outside sandbars, it can't handle a big swell, and it's very unpredictable. Tides: Within 2 hours either side of high tide Size: Thigh-head high -- too big and it can't handle Wind: Anything S to W -- even SE onshore winds are OK Swell: NE-SE Bottom: Coquina sand -- real coarse sand made up of thousands of shell particles Paddling: Two paddle strokes and you're out -- it breaks that close to shore. Spot Rating: Close to the beach spot, you need to be quick to your feet. Not a beginner level spot. Access: Drive on the beach, but stay near the ramp, as the coquina sand is like quicksand. Crowds: Crowd Factor: It depends on the day, but summers are usually bad. Local Vibe: Be cool and you won't get schooled. Environment: Clean water for the most part but can get murky. Hazards: Dumpy wave so being pile drived into the sand. Season: Fall-Spring, Hurricane