Spessard Holland
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Spessard Holland is an exposed, sandbars-driven beach break on Florida’s Atlantic Space Coast near Melbourne Beach. It typically works best with East to North swells and can offer both left- and right-hand waves, with offshore SW to W winds helping groom the face. For surfing, the main functional swell window centers on September through April, with one profile noting July has the highest probability of clean surf (though summer is often flatter overall). Wave heights are commonly described in the roughly 0.5–2.0 meter range during favorable periods, and rides are typically short and punchy. Conditions are shaped by wind that often follows a thermal sea-breeze pattern, strengthening during the afternoon. Reported wind ranges are frequently about 10–20 knots, with moderate reliability that depends on seasonal sea breezes and frontal systems. The coastline is fully exposed, so you should expect wind-driven changes in chop and surf quality. Safety is a priority at this spot: scattered coquina rocks can be hazardous near the shore and submerged nearshore, especially at lower tides. Sharks are frequently seen, rip currents can occur, and jellyfish are noted as a possible hazard. Stick to beach etiquette in the lineup, check the water before launch/entries when conditions are changing, and plan on limited rescue availability with emergency response via 911.
- Exposed Atlantic beach break with both left and right wave options
- Best with NE–ENE swell and SW–W offshore winds
- Free parking and public facilities at North and South beach parks
- Generally rarely crowded
- Wide sandy beach with accessible public facilities
- Works primarily with East to North swells for surf, and benefits from offshore SW–W winds
- Often described as rarely crowded
- Seasonal lifeguards and emergency response via 911
- Exposed coastline conditions can be unforgiving when wind and swell line up poorly
- Watch for submerged rocks (especially at lower tides)
- Sharks are frequently seen in the area
- Rip currents can occur
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE
- Offshore directions
- SW, W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Thermal sea-breeze pattern develops as land heats relative to the Atlantic; strongest is typically in the afternoon. Offshore SW–W winds groom the surf.
- Reliability
- Moderate; mostly dependent on frontal systems and seasonal sea breezes.
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- September, October, November, March, April
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with sandbars-driven beach-break structure.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Spacious sandy beach area suitable for beach access.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Rarely crowded, though weekends can see more locals.
Hurricane season runs June through November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed ocean spot; best suited to experienced riders who can manage waves and shore break.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Good for bump and jump or wave riding when wind is side-shore.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Accessible for foiling, but requires clearing the shore break and being mindful of shallow rock patches.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Sandbars-driven beach break on Florida’s Space Coast; works with East–North swells and often offers left and right waves.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, NE, SE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, All tides — Some sources highlight low tide; another source indicates it can work across most/all tide cycles.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Best with West or Southwest offshore winds; becomes choppy with East winds. Offshore winds from SW–W groom the face.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large swells, but often holds up better than more northern alternatives.
- Wave Quality
- Often described as clean during the main swell window; generally average quality in one provider’s surf profile.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Typical beach break peaks that offer short, punchy rides.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–70 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride length reported as about 30–70 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Spessard Holland in the full forecast view.
Spessard Holland wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 9–19 ktsGusts 32 kts
- Direction
- NE39°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2519 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–3.2 m8s period
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Spessard Holland is forecast for daytime winds of 9–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 32 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.2–3.2 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 (including scattered coquina rocks near shore and submerged rocks at lower tides)
- Sharks
- Rip currents
- Jellyfish
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Nearest emergency services are in Melbourne; dial 911 for emergencies.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Follow standard beach etiquette; surfers have priority in the peaks.
- Check for submerged rocks at low tide to avoid fin damage.
- Be alert for rip currents.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Melbourne
- Nearest Town
- Melbourne Beach
- Parking
- Free parking available at both Spessard Holland North and South Beach Parks.
- Access
- Direct access via Highway A1A with clear signage for North and South Beach Parks.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous vacation rentals and small hotels in Melbourne Beach and nearby coastal towns.
- Food & Drink
- Several restaurants and cafes are located a short drive north in Melbourne Beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental shops are available in nearby areas along the coast.
- Gear Storage
- Limited on-site beach storage; most riders use personal vehicles or local shop lockers.
- Gear Repair
- Repair shops available in the nearby area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Melbourne Beach region offers a quieter, more natural coastal setting with outdoor activities supported by proximity to both the Atlantic and nearby inland/lagoons.
Major NASA visitor complex featuring spacecraft, launches, and historical exhibits.
A walkable district with historic buildings, murals, and local art galleries.
World-famous surfing break and premier fishing destination at the southern end of the barrier island.
Popular beachfront dining offering seafood and ocean views.
A zoo offering family-friendly outdoor experiences.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Spessard Holland?
The best overall months at Spessard Holland are September, October, November, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Spessard Holland?
Spessard Holland works with N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE winds. Offshore directions are SW, W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Spessard Holland?
Recommended equipment sizes at Spessard Holland: Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Spessard Holland suitable for?
Spessard Holland suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.