Painters Hill (Flagler County)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Generally low to moderate; quieter than nearby city beaches.
Hurricane season runs from June through November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
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
Exposed sandbar break with quite consistent surf and a quieter alternative to busier nearby pier areas.
- 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.
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.
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
- Rocks
- Rip currents
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.
- 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
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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
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.
Historic wooden pier for fishing and Atlantic coastal views.
One of the world’s oldest oceanariums with interactive dolphin programs.
Oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States.
Coquina rock shoreline features and formal gardens.
Popular local food and drinks spot with ocean views in nearby Flagler Beach.
Trails, equestrian trails, and historic lodge tours in a natural setting.
From riders who've been here
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.