Sunglow Pier

Surfing
Shortboard, Beginners
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Ocean
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Sunglow Pier is an exposed pier-and-beach surf break in Daytona Beach Shores that breaks over a sand bottom and is generally described as offering consistent surf. The pier setup shapes nearby sandbars, which can create multiple peaks and better wave form than an open beach setup. For wave direction, the most favorable swells are generally from the Northeast/East/Southeast, while winds from the West and Southwest are described as the cleanest or most offshore for grooming. Southwest wind conditions are specifically noted as the best wind direction for clearer surf. The spot is geared toward learning: surfing here is reported as suitable for beginners, with wave energy described as moderate and often peeling. Rides are typically short, and the wave form/length can vary depending on sandbar configuration. Safety is important at this pier: reported hazards include rocks, pier pilings, fishing lines and hooks, rip currents, and large-water risks. Surfing is restricted near the pier for safety, including a clear restriction against surfing directly under the pier, and local guidance is to watch for anglers casting near surfers. Rescue coverage is described as limited and lifeguards as seasonal; for emergencies, call 911.

  • Consistent pier break that can work year-round
  • Offshore-clean conditions often arrive with West/Southwest winds
  • Beginner-friendly peeling waves, but pier-related hazards and rip currents require caution
Great for
Surfing shortboardBeginners
What's great
  • Consistent surf that can work at any time of the year
  • Sand-bottom pier break with multiple peaks
  • Well-developed beach access and visitor amenities in the Daytona Beach Shores area
Heads up
  • Pier and underwater hazards include rocks, pier pilings, fishing lines, and submerged debris
  • Rip currents can form alongside the pier pilings
  • Water safety rules restrict surfing near/under the pier—check signage
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SW
Offshore directions
SW, W
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Afternoon sea breezes are common in spring and summer; offshore SW grooming can develop with inland heating.
Reliability
Reliable for offshore grooming during winter cold fronts.
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Light gusts reported.
Best Months
July
Shadow Zones
Directly downwind of the pier structure there is a small zone of turbulent air.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — General surf size is described as small to medium depending on conditions.
Launch
Medium — Spacious sandy beach surrounding the pier structure.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Easy launch reported.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–30 °C
Water Temperature
10–33 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 3/2mmApr–Nov: 2/1–3/2mmJul, Aug, Sep: 0–2 mm shorty or rash guard
Crowds by Season

High crowds during summer weekends and school holidays; quieter during winter weekdays.

Storm/Rain Season

Hurricane season runs from June through November, which can bring significant swell.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Sunglow Pier is a pier-influenced beach/pier break with consistent surf that can work year-round, breaking over a sand bottom.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
NE, E, SSE
Swell Height
0.6–1.8 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — The pier helps shape sandbars and provides some protection vs an open beach setup.
Wind Effect
West and Southwest winds provide clean, offshore conditions; southwest winds produce the cleanest conditions.
Bigger Swell
Can close out on the outer bars during very large hurricane swells.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short — Rides typically last 20 to 50 meters depending on sandbar configuration.
Typical Ride Length
35 m
Ride Length Details
Rides typically last 20 to 50 meters depending on sandbar configuration.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sunglow Pier in the full forecast view.

Sunglow Pier wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
8–20 ktsGusts 32 kts
Direction
NE37°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2520 kts
Windy days
6/712 kts or more
Waves
1.4–3.3 m8s period
Temperature
21–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Sunglow Pier is forecast for daytime winds of 8–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 32 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.4–3.3 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
  • Pier pilings
  • Fishing lines and hooks
  • Rip currents
  • Crowds in the water
  • Sharks
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is limited.
Emergency Info
Volusia County Beach Safety maintains patrols and can be reached via emergency services; for emergencies call 911.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Mild localism noted.

Rules of the spot

Surfing is restricted within a certain distance of the pier for safety; check local signage for exact zone boundaries.

Restrictions
  • No surfing directly under the pier
  • Designated swimming zones nearby
Local Tips
  • Watch out for fisherman on the pier who may accidentally or intentionally cast near surfers.
  • The north side of the pier often holds a better shape on a Northeast swell.
  • Rides can vary with sandbar configuration; be prepared for changing peaks near the pier.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Daytona Beach
Nearest Town
Daytona Beach Shores
Nearest Airport
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)
Parking
Paid parking lot at the pier and street parking available nearby.
Public Transport
Served by Volusia County transit (Votran/V-Line)
Access
3701 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach FL
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous hotels and beachfront condos line the shore in Daytona Beach Shores.
Food & Drink
Crabby Joe's Deck & Grill is located directly on the pier.
Equipment Rental:
Surfboard and paddleboard rentals are available at several shops along Atlantic Avenue.
Gear Storage
Specific public gear storage is described as limited, but many beachfront hotels and local surf shops provide storage for guests or rental clients.
Gear Repair
Local surf shops in the Daytona area can provide board repair services.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Sunglow Pier?

The best overall months at Sunglow Pier are June, July, August. The best wind months are July.

Which wind directions work at Sunglow Pier?

Sunglow Pier works with SW winds. Offshore directions are SW, W.

What skill level is Sunglow Pier suitable for?

Sunglow Pier suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.