Secondnd Light
- Freeride, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Expert
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Second Light is a fairly exposed sandy beach-break with consistently surfable conditions. Sources describe mellow peaks and a generally predictable pattern, with summer often trending flatter while winter is more likely to deliver cleaner, rideable surf. Wind notes strongly associate good conditions with West to Southwest flow, which can act as offshore for the break. One source highlights December as the best month, aligning with reports of consistent, clean surf supported by light/offshore winds in winter cold-front periods. Safety is a key focus for this spot. Hazards reported include rocks and sharks, and stingrays are specifically called out with a recommended entry technique (shuffle your feet). Rip currents are also mentioned, so swimmers and surfers should be cautious, and lifeguard coverage is described as seasonal; rescue availability is limited. The spot can also work for other water sports seasonally. Kitesurfing is described as a local favorite when wind is side-on or side-shore, and wingfoiling is noted as increasingly popular, with better conditions at mid to high tide to avoid sandbars. Overall, the most reliable experience is expected in the cooler season when surf and wind align for clean wave faces.
- Very consistent beach-break surf
- Best season for surfing is winter (notably December)
- Offshore-favorable winds from West to Southwest
- Multi-sport use: surfing primary, with seasonal kitesurfing and wingfoiling
- Very consistent surf for beach-break conditions.
- Winter is highlighted for cleaner, rideable waves with light/offshore winds.
- Wide sandy area supports easier entry and launch for wind sports on appropriate tides.
- Can get crowded in the water during peak periods.
- Water hazards reported: rocks and sharks; stingrays are also noted.
- Winter closure risk on larger swell (can close out when swell exceeds about 2 meters).
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SW
- Offshore directions
- SW, W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sea-breeze pattern is common, with summer afternoon sea breezes; winter is influenced by frontal systems.
- Reliability
- Moderate during winter cold fronts.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Reported as light gusts.
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December, January, February, March
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Reported small across sources; summer can be mostly flat while winter can be more rideable.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Water type described as chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach area suitable for water entry.
Through the year
Highest in summer months and during holiday weekends.
June through November (hurricane/tropical storm season); June through September also brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A frequent spot for local kiters when the wind is side-on or side-shore, with a wide beach area that supports safe launching at lower tides.
- Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
Used by locals during frontal winds, though less common than surfing.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Increasingly popular for its forgiving waves; best at mid to high tide to help avoid sandbars.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Very consistent surf with mellow, sandy-bottom peaks. Summer can be flatter, while winter is more likely to produce clean, rideable waves.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, NE, SE
- Swell Height
- 0.6–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is noted as optimal.
- Shelter
- Exposed — One source describes the break as fairly exposed; winter surf can still be consistent and rideable.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest with offshore West or Southwest winds; light offshore winds in winter are associated with clean, rideable waves.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swell exceeds 2 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality is described as average in one source.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Reported as soft/power not extreme.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Typically mushy.
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Mellow peaks with slow peeling motion.
- Ride Length
- Short — Typically offers 30–50 meter rides depending on sandbar configuration.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typically 30–50 meter rides depending on sandbar configuration.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Secondnd Light in the full forecast view.
Secondnd Light wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 10–19 ktsGusts 31 kts
- Direction
- NE38°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2519 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.6 m9s period
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Secondnd Light is forecast for daytime winds of 10–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 31 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.8–1.6 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
- Rocks
- Sharks
- Stingrays
- Rip currents
- Crowds
- Occasional submerged coquina rock patches
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard coverage at designated parks.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is reported as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest emergency services are in Cocoa Beach or Melbourne.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; avoid designated swimming areas when surfers are present. Leashes recommended for surfers.
- No motorized watercraft
- Shuffle your feet when entering the water to avoid stingrays.
- Parking fills up very quickly on weekends.
- Be mindful of shark activity, especially during the fall mullet run.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Melbourne
- Nearest Town
- South Patrick Shores
- Nearest Airport
- Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)
- Parking
- Small public parking lot located directly at the Second Light access point.
- Public Transport
- Limited; most visitors rely on personal vehicles or car rentals.
- Access
- Accessible via Highway A1A with a dedicated beach entrance.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous hotels and vacation rentals in Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach areas.
- Food & Drink
- Various restaurants and cafes located a short drive north or south on A1A.
- Equipment Rental:
- Specialty shops in the region offer rentals for surfboards, kiteboarding gear, and wingfoiling equipment.
- Gear Storage
- Some schools offer storage for students; otherwise many visitors manage gear via private vehicle transport or short-term local rentals.
- Gear Repair
- Surf shops in the surrounding area offer board repairs.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The South Patrick Shores area blends Space Coast beach culture with aerospace heritage, with nearby attractions and year-round water-sports community access.
A major East Coast surf landmark and cultural shop.
Launch-site tours, rocket exhibits, and space flight simulators.
Historic pier with restaurants, bars, and fishing.
Seasonal nighttime tours in the nearby Banana River Lagoon for glowing dinoflagellates.
Oceanfront spot in Cocoa Beach known for fresh seafood and surf views.
75-acre zoo with kayaking through animal habitats and a treetop trek.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Secondnd Light?
The best overall months at Secondnd Light are October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are September, October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Secondnd Light?
Secondnd Light works with W, SW winds. Offshore directions are SW, W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Secondnd Light?
Recommended equipment sizes at Secondnd Light: Kitesurfing: 10–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Secondnd Light suitable for?
Secondnd Light suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Advanced.