Painters Hill (Flagler County)

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Painters Hill is an exposed sandbar break on Florida’s Atlantic coast near Palm Coast, known for generally consistent surf and a quieter residential atmosphere. The sandy bottom is described as having coquina rock presence in places, so line choice and timing around tides matter. For surfing, the break is characterized as a sandbar with both left- and right-hand waves, and an overall average-to-moderate feel. Working conditions are typically tied to swell coming from the east to northeast, with quick peaks that tend to suit an incoming mid-tide. Wave shape is commonly described as mushy rather than crisp, and the break can close out when swell gets larger (around the 2-meter threshold). Wind-wise, winter cold fronts are associated with seasonal frontal wind patterns, and West to West-Southwest winds are noted for producing cleaner, offshore conditions for the surf. In warmer months, the regional pattern includes an afternoon sea-breeze window, which can improve onshore/thermal wind timing for water-sport sessions. Safety is a key consideration: rocks/coquina are reported across bottom and shore sections (especially noticeable at low tide), and rip currents may occur during larger swells. Parking is limited and the beach is residential, so standard etiquette and local access/parking compliance are important. In emergencies, call 911, and plan for limited immediate spot rescue capacity as lifeguards are not indicated for this specific beach area.

  • Consistent sandbar surf potential
  • Quieter residential setting north of the main pier area
  • Rocks/coquina bottom hazards—especially at low tide
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardBeginners
What's great
  • Exposed sandbar break with consistent surf potential year-round
  • Generally quieter neighborhood feel compared with the busier pier area
  • West winds can provide clean, offshore grooming
Heads up
  • Rocks and coquina formations on/near the bottom and shore
  • Exposed sandbar conditions can close out on bigger swell
  • Limited parking and no lifeguards indicated
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, WSW
Offshore directions
W, WSW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Winter cold fronts; winds also shift with seasonal patterns.
Reliability
Consistent during winter cold fronts.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
January, February, March, September, October, November, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–14 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Orange coquina sand character mentioned for the area.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small
Launch
Small — Beach launch with sandy entry; Coquina rocks are present in some sections.
Launch Difficulty
Easy

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
15–30 °C
Water Temperature
10–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 3/2mm or 4/3mmApr–Nov: shorty or spring/fall wetsuit (shorty-level)Jun–Sep: boardshorts/swimsuit (minimal wetsuit)
Crowds by Season

Generally low to moderate; quieter than nearby city beaches.

Storm/Rain Season

Hurricane season runs from June through November.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

While primarily a surf spot, it is rideable for kitesurfing during North-East or South-East winds. The beach is narrow in places, making launching dependent on tide levels.

WaveFreeride
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Possible in higher tides to clear the shallow sandbars and coquina rocks. The shore break is generally manageable.

Foil Friendly
Limited
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
4.5–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed sandbar break with quite consistent surf and a quieter alternative to busier nearby pier areas.

Sandbar
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
E, NE
Swell Height
0.5–2 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Quick peaks work best on an incoming mid-tide.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed sandbar break.
Wind Effect
West winds provide clean, offshore conditions.
Bigger Swell
Can close out when swell exceeds 2 meters.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Mushy
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short
Ride Length Details
Quick peaks that work best on a incoming mid-tide.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Painters Hill (Flagler County) in the full forecast view.

Painters Hill (Flagler County) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
9–19 ktsGusts 33 kts
Direction
NE36°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2519 kts
Windy days
6/712 kts or more
Waves
1.5–3.3 m8s period
Temperature
20–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Painters Hill (Flagler County) is forecast for daytime winds of 9–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.5–3.3 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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

  • Rocks
  • Rip currents
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
Wetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards indicated for this spot.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — General emergency response is available via Flagler County Fire Rescue and the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
Emergency Info
In case of emergency, call 911.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies. Respect local residents as the beach is in a residential area.

Local Tips
  • Watch for coquina rocks at low tide.
  • Parking is limited; be mindful of local residential parking regulations.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Palm Coast
Nearest Town
Flagler Beach
Nearest Airport
Daytona Beach International Airport (35 miles south) and Jacksonville International Airport (about 75 miles north)
Parking
Limited street parking and small designated turnout areas.
Public Transport
Public transportation is limited; a car is recommended for accessing different spots and amenities.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Accommodation ranges from beachfront rentals in Painters Hill to hotels/resorts in nearby Palm Coast and Flagler Beach.
Food & Drink
Various restaurants and cafes located a few miles south in Flagler Beach.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental is available in the surrounding area (local shops provide board rentals and basic watersports gear).
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard and fiberglass repair services are available through local surf shops in Flagler County.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The area offers a scenic, uncrowded coastal feel with high dunes and coquina rock outcrops, plus access to amenities via Palm Coast and the nearby Intracoastal Waterway corridor.

Best time to visit: March to May is ideal before peak summer heat and humidity.
Flagler Beach Pier~5 miles

Historic wooden pier for fishing and Atlantic coastal views.

Marineland Dolphin Adventure~10 miles

One of the world’s oldest oceanariums with interactive dolphin programs.

St. Augustine Historic District~25 miles

Oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park~8 miles

Coquina rock shoreline features and formal gardens.

Finn's Beachside Pub~5 miles

Popular local food and drinks spot with ocean views in nearby Flagler Beach.

Princess Place Preserve~12 miles

Trails, equestrian trails, and historic lodge tours in a natural setting.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Painters Hill (Flagler County)?

The best overall months at Painters Hill (Flagler County) are September, October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, September, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Painters Hill (Flagler County)?

Painters Hill (Flagler County) works with W, WSW winds. Offshore directions are W, WSW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Painters Hill (Flagler County)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Painters Hill (Flagler County): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 4.5–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.

What skill level is Painters Hill (Flagler County) suitable for?

Painters Hill (Flagler County) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.