Palm Beach (Jetties)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Palm Beach (Jetties) is an exposed South Florida beach/jetty break where winter conditions are typically the standout. Surf is described as quite reliable in winter, while summer is often mostly flat. The water stays choppy overall, and the jetties shape the sandbars to create small, peaky wave features. For surfing, the jetties are closely spaced and the break can be tricky: waves may break up to roughly 100 meters quickly and can close out on larger swells. Mid tide is specifically noted as the best tide for avoiding waves turning overly mushy or closing out. Wave power is described as moderate, with wave quality ranging from good to average, and the overall shelter level is exposed. For kitesurfing and related wind sports, winds are best with easterly directions, commonly NE to SE, and the spot is most reliable during winter and spring when cold fronts are active. Expect chop and small wave kickers shaped by the jetties. Kite and board navigation is important due to rocks/groins and submerged hazards, plus beach crowding during peak tourism periods. Safety is a key theme here. Multiple hazards are repeatedly associated with the area—jetty rocks, coral/submerged rocks, and dangerous water movement including strong inlet currents and rip currents. Sharks are also listed as a seasonal concern. Riders and paddlers are advised to check conditions before going out, avoid going alone if you’re unfamiliar with the break, and respect any kite restrictions or swimming-zone rules indicated locally.
- Exposed jetties create shaped sandbars for winter surf
- NE to SE winds in winter and spring support kitesurfing and windsurfing
- Mid tide is typically best for surfing
- Reliable winter surf with a strongly exposed beach/jetty setup
- Clean water and small-wave/chop conditions support progression for intermediate riders
- Accessible entry point from Okeechobee Boulevard to the shoreline
- Exposed conditions with chop and strong inlet/rip-current hazards near the jetties
- Rock jetties and submerged rocks create navigation risk for both paddle and board sports
- Beach access and parking can be difficult/expensive and the area can get crowded in winter
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Prevailing easterly trade winds with stronger northerly frontal systems in winter (winter and spring are most reliable).
- Reliability
- Most reliable during winter and spring when cold fronts and trade winds are active.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with jetty impacts.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small
- Launch
- Medium — Launch area can become narrow at high tide and crowded with beachgoers.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
High crowds during winter tourism season and on weekends; summer is quieter but often flat for surfing.
Hurricane season (June to November).
By sport
What to expect for each.
A popular winter spot with chop and small wave kickers created by the jetties; careful navigation around rocks and crowds is needed.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–14 m²
Suitable during ocean swells and winter winds, though beach access for gear hauling can be more difficult than other local spots.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Foiling is possible but requires walking past the shallow shore break and avoiding submerged rocks of the jetties.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
An exposed beach/jetty break with reliable winter surf; summer tends to be mostly flat. Waves break up to about 100 meters quickly and can be tricky to surf, with jetties helping shape sandbars.
- Optimal Swell
- E, ENE, NE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is typically best to avoid waves closing out or becoming too mushy.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest on light West or North-West winds (noted as offshore for kiters); otherwise the spot can stay choppy.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large swells, but the jetties help maintain some structure.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality is described as good in one source and average in another.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — One description notes mixed wave shape; another notes peeling waves.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — A fast peel is described for the jetties; another description notes medium peel speed for the wave.
- Ride Length
- Short — Some descriptions indicate punchy, short rides; another notes waves breaking up to 100 meters quickly.
- Ride Length Details
- Up to about 100 meters; short, punchy rides are common.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Palm Beach (Jetties) in the full forecast view.
Palm Beach (Jetties) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 10–19 ktsGusts 32 kts
- Direction
- NE40°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2619 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.4–3.5 m9s period
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Palm Beach (Jetties) is forecast for daytime winds of 10–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 32 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.4–3.5 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- jetty rocks
- coral
- rip currents
- strong inlet currents
- rock jetties (groins)
- submerged rocks
- sharks (seasonal migration)
- wave breaker
- beach crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional rescue described as limited, with patrol coverage by ocean rescue and the inlet Coast Guard station.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Check local signage and conditions; respect restricted swimming zones and any local rules for kite use.
- Kitesurfing may be restricted or prohibited in designated swimming areas or during peak lifeguard hours; check local signage.
- Mid tide is typically best for surfing at the jetties to avoid waves closing out or getting too mushy.
- Ensure you can stay upwind to avoid being pushed into the rocks (jetties are close together).
- Always check conditions before paddling out.
- Never surf alone if unfamiliar with the break.
- Parking is strictly enforced.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- West Palm Beach
- Nearest Town
- Palm Beach
- Nearest Airport
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
- Parking
- Park and paddle (general jetty access pattern). Metered street parking is available along South Ocean Boulevard, but it can be expensive and fills up quickly.
- Public Transport
- Limited public bus service via Palm Tran; most visitors rely on car rentals or rideshare services.
- Access
- Take Okeechobee Blvd east till you hit the water, can't miss.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — High-end hotels and vacation rentals are available throughout Palm Beach.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants and cafes are located a short walk away.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available at surf shops in nearby West Palm Beach; regional equipment rental described as readily available within a short radius of the inlet.
- Gear Storage
- Limited to private surf clubs or select retail shops.
- Gear Repair
- Yes
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Palm Beach (Jetties)?
The best overall months at Palm Beach (Jetties) are January, February, March, April, November, December. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Palm Beach (Jetties)?
Palm Beach (Jetties) works with NE, E, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Palm Beach (Jetties)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Palm Beach (Jetties): Kitesurfing: 7–14 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Palm Beach (Jetties) suitable for?
Palm Beach (Jetties) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.