Peanuts 1 (Matanzas Inlet)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Peanuts 1 (Matanzas Inlet) is a right-hand point break at the Matanzas Inlet area that’s described as exposed and working year-round with generally consistent surf. The wave forms off sandbars and rocky/inlet features over a sand bottom, and it’s most commonly cited as working best around mid tide. Surf quality is typically described as good, with a peeling wave shape and medium ride lengths that can extend into long, workable sections when sandbars set up. The spot is also rated as a stable, mid-level challenge for riders, with the most consistently recommended level being intermediate. Safety considerations are a major part of the picture at this spot: hazards are repeatedly noted as rocks and sharks, and the inlet environment brings strong tidal currents that can pull paddlers toward/into the inlet quickly. On larger swell, the wave can become heavy and harder to manage in terms of paddling out against the inlet current, so caution and timing matter. Local access culture is highlighted as well. The spot is characterized as local-only and may feel unfriendly to newcomers if the break is crowded, so standard surf etiquette plus extra care around swimmer presence and designated zones is emphasized. For wind-driven planning, a thermal sea-breeze pattern is common in warmer months, and sessions are typically aligned with afternoon development and a best-month window that includes July.
- Very consistent point-break surf at Matanzas Inlet
- Long, peeling right-hand rides (sandbar-dependent)
- Mid tide is typically best
- Afternoon thermal sea-breeze window in warmer months
- Key hazards: rocks, sharks, and strong inlet currents
- Very consistent point-break surf at Matanzas Inlet
- Long, peeling right-hand rides when conditions set up well
- Mid-tide is consistently cited as the best time on the wave cycle
- Year-round working conditions
- Rocks and shark presence require caution
- Strong inlet/tidal currents and possible tidal surges
- Local-only culture; easy to get under pressure if crowds form
- Can become heavy and difficult to paddle out on larger swell due to inlet current
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WNW, WSW
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Thermal sea-breeze pattern dominant in the area; providers cite afternoon development during warmer months.
- Reliability
- very consistent
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Cited as light gusts.
- Best Months
- July
- Shadow Zones
- Turbulence behind inlet dunes during strong westerly winds
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small-sized waves are commonly cited for the spot.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop
- Launch
- Medium — Beach launch from the southern side of the inlet park.
Through the year
Busy on weekends; July can see more families and casual surfers.
Hurricane season runs from June through November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed point-style right-hand break at Matanzas Inlet that works year-round, forming off sandbars and rocky/inlet features with consistent, peeling rides on the right swell.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- E, NE, SE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Exposure varies by spot/feature; inlet structure provides some protection, but the break is still described as exposed overall.
- Wind Effect
- West winds are described as offshore; North winds are described as slightly less direct due to protection from inlet structure.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and difficult to paddle out against inlet current on larger swell.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Often best when sandbars set up cleanly on a solid swell.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Long, workable sections depending on sandbar formation.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer long, peeling rides; typical workable sections are medium-to-long depending on sandbar formation.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Peanuts 1 (Matanzas Inlet) in the full forecast view.
Peanuts 1 (Matanzas Inlet) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 10–22 ktsGusts 34 kts
- Direction
- NE36°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2522 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.5–2.8 m8s period
- Temperature
- 21–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Peanuts 1 (Matanzas Inlet) is forecast for daytime winds of 10–22 kts, peaking around 22 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 34 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.5–2.8 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
- Sharks
- Strong inlet currents
- Tidal surges
- Jetty structures
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are described as seasonal at nearby developed beach parks.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- St. Johns County Fire Rescue is cited as the local responder; dial 911 for emergencies.
- Localism / Vibe
- Heavy — Local-only culture with emphasis on not crowding the break.
Rules of the spot
Local-only culture; respect local surfers and avoid crowding the break. Be mindful of swimmers and other beachgoers; follow standard surf etiquette. Avoid designated swimming zones and the main boat channel.
- No surfing in designated swimming zones
- Avoid the main boat channel
- Watch the tide carefully as the current can pull you into the inlet quickly.
- Park at the Matanzas Inlet Park on the south side for the shortest walk.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Summer Haven
- Nearest Town
- Port St. John
- Nearest Airport
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
- Parking
- Matanzas Inlet Park offers dedicated public parking with a short walk to the sand.
- Public Transport
- Public transportation to the coastal area is very limited; most visitors rely on rental cars/vehicles.
- Access
- Accessible via Matanzas Inlet road/area; beach access can be limited and may require parking at nearby public areas. Matanzas Inlet Park provides dedicated public parking.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Vacation rentals in Summer Haven plus hotels/bed-and-breakfasts and resorts serving the broader St. Augustine/Crescent Beach area.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants are located a few miles north and south on A1A.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through shops in the greater St. Augustine area, including full rentals for kitesurfing/wingfoiling/surfing.
- Gear Storage
- Limited dedicated gear storage is available; most riders store equipment at accommodation or in vehicles.
- Gear Repair
- Ding repair is offered by surf shops in St. Augustine.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Matanzas Inlet is a scenic tidal-estuary environment paired with strong nearby history and nature tourism centered around St. Augustine and surrounding preserves.
Iconic 1874 lighthouse with museum and panoramic views from the top.
Over 8,000 acres of natural Florida landscape offering hiking, biking, and horse trails.
St. Augustine Beach Pier offers fishing, dining, and walking.
A historic Spanish fort built in 1742 to protect the southern approach to St. Augustine.
The oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States.
One of the largest and most diverse collections of Antonio Whitney paintings and sculptures.
Waterfront dining with seafood and live music.
Casual beach-themed eatery offering seafood and drinks near the coast.
Lively beach bar with craft cocktails and local atmosphere.
The world's first oceanarium, offering interactive dolphin programs and educational exhibits.
Over 50 attractions including water parks, go-karting, and mini-golf.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Peanuts 1 (Matanzas Inlet)?
The best overall months at Peanuts 1 (Matanzas Inlet) are July.
Which wind directions work at Peanuts 1 (Matanzas Inlet)?
Peanuts 1 (Matanzas Inlet) works with W, WNW, WSW winds. Offshore directions are W.
What skill level is Peanuts 1 (Matanzas Inlet) suitable for?
Peanuts 1 (Matanzas Inlet) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.