Redington Breakwater
- Longboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Generally quiet/low-profile, but can get busy with local surfers during a good swell event.
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Redington Breakwater in Redington Shores is an exposed Gulf-side sandbar break where surf forms at either end of a parallel jetty/breakwater. The south end is generally the more popular section, and the setup is most reliable during winter swell opportunities. Wind-wise, east and northeast winds are noted as favorable, providing offshore grooming that can make the wave faces look cleaner. Conditions are described as small and often punchy, with ride lengths typically in the short range. Wave power is generally soft, and the wave shape is often mushy when it’s on. For safety, treat the rock breakwater itself as the main hazard. During larger swell events, occasional rip currents can form near the structure. Stingrays are also reported as a risk when entering the water, and local guidance recommends shuffling your feet. There are no lifeguards or dedicated rescue presence noted for this spot. In terms of seasonality, winter is the most consistent time for surfable swells, with additional potential during hurricane season (June through November). When swell gets too big or too disorganized, the break can get messy and close out.
- Structure-sandbar break with a more consistent peak than nearby beach breaks
- East winds often act as offshore flow
- Best in winter and during hurricane season
- Sandbar/structure-driven break with surf forming at either end of the jetty/breakwater.
- Best season aligns with winter cold-front swell opportunities; east winds can groom wave faces offshore.
- Beginner-friendly when working—waves are typically small and short rides are common.
- Exposed setup where conditions can be inconsistent outside winter/fronts.
- Rock hazards from/around the breakwater, plus occasional rip currents during larger swell events.
- Generally low-profile and localized; not a consistently traveled destination outside good swell windows.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE
- Offshore directions
- E, NE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Cold-front/frontal winds are the main seasonal driver in winter; east winds are noted as the best wind direction for surf at this break.
- Reliability
- Low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, December, November
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Described as choppy at the water surface.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach launch area adjacent to the breakwater structure.
Through the year
Hurricane season
By sport
What to expect for each.
Surf forms at either end of the parallel jetty/breakwater, with the south end usually more popular. The break relies on sandbars shaped by the structure and works best on winter swell opportunities.
- Optimal Swell
- NW, W
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open/exposed setup; the breakwater/jetty structures shape the sandbar, but the overall break is exposed.
- Wind Effect
- East winds provide offshore conditions that groom the wave faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become messy and close out if the swell is too large and disorganized.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Soft
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Typical ride length is short and punchy.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves are generally short and punchy, typical of wind-driven swells in the Gulf.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Redington Breakwater in the full forecast view.
Redington Breakwater wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 9–16 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- NE42°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.6 m2s period
- Temperature
- 17–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Redington Breakwater is forecast for daytime winds of 9–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.2–0.6 m with a period of about 2s. 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
- sharks
- stingrays
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No rescue availability is noted for this spot.
- Emergency Info
- Dial 911.
Rules of the spot
General beach rules apply; standard surfing etiquette is expected near the breakwater.
- The south end of the breakwater is usually the more popular of the two spots and will break on a north swell.
- It's best in the winter or during hurricane season.
- Shuffle your feet when entering the water to avoid stingrays.
- The spot is best early in the morning when the wind is offshore.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- North Redington Beach, FL
- Nearest Town
- North Redington Beach
- Parking
- Limited public parking is available at designated beach access lots and some street parking.
- Access
- Access via Gulf Boulevard near 175th St; the jetty/breakwater runs parallel to shore with surf forming at either end.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous vacation rentals and small hotels are located within walking distance along Redington Shores.
- Food & Drink
- Several restaurants and convenience stores are located nearby on Gulf Boulevard.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A historic fishing village with over 100 shops, restaurants, and water excursion rentals.
Housing the largest collection of Dalí's works outside of Europe.
A sprawling park offering kayaking trails, historic forts, and bird watching.
A local landmark known for fresh seafood and waterfront views.
A non-profit facility dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of wild birds.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Redington Breakwater?
The best overall months at Redington Breakwater are January, February, December. The best wind months are January, February, March, December, November.
Which wind directions work at Redington Breakwater?
Redington Breakwater works with E, NE winds. Offshore directions are E, NE.
What skill level is Redington Breakwater suitable for?
Redington Breakwater suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.