Backyard OG Ocean Gallery (Butler Beach)
- Bodyboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Beginner
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Backyard OG Ocean Gallery (Butler Beach) is an exposed ocean beach break with consistent surf that can work year-round. The break provides rideable waves in both directions (left and right options) and is described as a reliable alternative to busier nearby alternatives, with an active local surfing presence. Wave conditions are most favorable when the tide is mid (and also commonly described as high-to-mid) and when swell comes from the east through southeast/east-northeast range. Typical working swell is roughly 0.5–1.5 meters, with medium wave power and a generally peeling wave shape. Ride length is often short-to-medium and depends on sandbar configuration. Wind-wise, guides point to west winds as the key for cleaner, offshore conditions. Typical wind ranges are about 10–20 knots, and spot-level guidance indicates moderate reliability with lighter gusts. Thermal sea-breezes are common in spring and summer, developing in the afternoon, while winter frontal periods tend to be especially favorable. Safety planning is important: rip currents are a noted hazard, and wildlife hazards include sharks (and also jellyfish per spot notes). Sandbars can shift, creating changing takeoff and wave behavior, and the shore break is described as moderate. Use standard surfing etiquette, wear a leash, and prioritize entry/exit points that reduce exposure to rip-current zones.
- Exposed but consistent beach break with year-round surf
- Left and right wave options
- West winds often bring cleaner/offshore conditions
- Year-round access with seasonal comfort and storm exposure
- Consistent exposed beach break with year-round working waves
- Offers both left and right wave options
- Clean/offshore wind conditions often align with west winds, especially in winter
- Exposed conditions with strong wave activity and variable sandbars
- Hazards include rip currents and sharks
- Jellyfish and shifting sandbars can be an issue
- Rescue availability can be limited
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NNW, NW, W
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Winter frontal influence with thermal sea-breeze effects; spot guides also note west to northwesterly winds for offshore-clean conditions.
- Reliability
- Moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Also described as consistent and capable of working any time of the year.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach area located directly behind the Ocean Gallery complex.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Wide sandy area supports launching for beach sports.
Through the year
Summer months see higher beach crowds; surf crowds are generally manageable.
Hurricane season runs from June to November, often bringing significant swell in August and September.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Suitable for kitesurfing during winter fronts or strong spring sea breezes; the beach is wide enough for launching and landing.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Can be practiced during frontal winds, though wave conditions can make it challenging for beginners.
Possible in the ocean, though the shore break and swell can make it difficult to get out past the breakers.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach break with consistent surf that works year-round; offers left and right waves.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, ESE, ENE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Also described as best on high-to-mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- West winds provide clean, offshore conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swells exceed 2 meters, though sandbars occasionally hold larger sizes.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Waves typically offer a short to medium ride depending on sandbar configuration.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–70 m
- Ride Length Details
- Short to medium ride depending on the sandbar configuration.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Backyard OG Ocean Gallery (Butler Beach) in the full forecast view.
Backyard OG Ocean Gallery (Butler Beach) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 9–20 ktsGusts 34 kts
- Direction
- NE34°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2520 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.6–3.2 m8s period
- Temperature
- 20–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Backyard OG Ocean Gallery (Butler Beach) is forecast for daytime winds of 9–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 34 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.6–3.2 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rip currents
- sharks
- jellyfish
- shifting sandbars
- rocks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Spot-level guidance indicates no rescue availability; regional cluster context describes limited rescue coverage via local coastal services.
- Emergency Info
- St. Augustine Beach police and fire rescue serve the area.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the locals and the environment.
- Motorized watercraft restrictions near swimmers
- Leash required for surfboards
- Best surfed on an incoming mid-tide.
- Winter months provide the most consistent swell and offshore winds.
- Park at public access points if not staying at the resort.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- St. Augustine
- Nearest Town
- Butler Beach
- Nearest Airport
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
- Parking
- Limited street parking; several public beach access parking lots are available within walking distance.
- Public Transport
- Limited public transit via the Sunshine Bus Company; primarily accessed by car via the A1A coastal highway
- Access
- Accessible through the Ocean Gallery resort for guests or via nearby public beach access points.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — The Ocean Gallery Resort is located directly at the spot, with numerous other vacation rentals in Butler Beach.
- Food & Drink
- Various restaurants and cafes are located along A1A, a short walk or drive from the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through local surf shops in St. Augustine Beach.
- Gear Storage
- Available at select local wind-sport specialized shops and some beachfront vacation rentals.
- Gear Repair
- Local surf shops in nearby St. Augustine Beach provide board repairs.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
St. Augustine Beach blends historic downtown attractions with a vibrant Atlantic beach-and-boardsports culture, centered around Anastasia Island and the fishing pier area.
Historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Atlantic and the Matanzas River.
Over 1,600 acres of beaches, dunes, tidal marshes, and hiking trails.
The oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, in historic downtown St. Augustine.
Historic attraction featuring crocodilians and a zip-line course.
Popular beachfront dining with seafood and ocean views.
Community hub with a splash park, sand volleyball courts, and fishing access.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Backyard OG Ocean Gallery (Butler Beach)?
The best overall months at Backyard OG Ocean Gallery (Butler Beach) are April, May, September, October, November. The best wind months are January, February, March, December.
Which wind directions work at Backyard OG Ocean Gallery (Butler Beach)?
Backyard OG Ocean Gallery (Butler Beach) works with NNW, NW, W winds. Offshore directions are W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Backyard OG Ocean Gallery (Butler Beach)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Backyard OG Ocean Gallery (Butler Beach): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Backyard OG Ocean Gallery (Butler Beach) suitable for?
Backyard OG Ocean Gallery (Butler Beach) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.