Fun in the Water
Surfing
On any given day, summer or winter, you can find people enjoying the Pensacola Beach surf. For many locals surfing is a way of life, as much a part of their daily routine as a morning run is to other athletes.
Pensacola is a sand bottom beachbreak. Beachbreaks are always more reliable and easier to figure out. If your visit to Pensacola Beach is short, maximize your water time by planning to surf where you stay, or staying where you plan to surf. The two most popular spots on Pensacola Beach are the pier and the cross. Just ask any local for directions.
Check the Surf Report
Check a current surf report to see if there’s any swell and where it’s coming from. Winds can change directions quickly on Pensacola Beach and have a huge impact on the surf. Check Innerlight Surf.com or Piercam.net for local conditions and surf cams.
Best Boards
Board choice is a matter of personal preference: short boards are usually adequate for experienced surfers, while a longboard guarantees fun on even the smallest waves. As a general rule, beginners should start with longboards and then go to shortboards. Kids just wanting to surf for the first time should get a bigger more stable board.
Bodyboarding is a fun and rewarding alternative that gives you the sensation of riding a wave without the long learning curve of stand-up surfing. Purists can enjoy bodysurfing with no equipment at all.
Safety Matters
It goes without saying that surfing requires being a competent swimmer, but first time surfers often underestimate the power of the waves and the currents that accompany them. The bigger the waves the greater the risks. Know your limits and, when in doubt, always choose an area with active lifeguard supervision.