Author: Taylor Maggard
Ok hear us out on this… Hurricane season in South Florida, (which is through June to November) gets a bad rep. Yes of course no one actually wants a hurricane to hit us. But surfers in Miami? It might be the most exciting time of year in the water. Let me tell you why and how to stay smart about it.
Why Hurricane Season Means Good Waves for Miami Surfers
Miami surf conditions are normally pretty flat. The Atlantic does not create much swell that is able to push down to Miami that often (or ever); which means surfing in Miami is just a long waiting game.
But when a tropical storm or a hurricane starts to churn out in the atlantic, it can send down long period groundswells our way. All that swell equals real rideable waves to do some damage on. Some of the best surf days to ever hit Miami have been from Hurricanes rolling by hundreds of miles away.
We Don't Need a Direct Hit
A hurricane does not need to be anywhere near Miami Beach to send us some waves. Storms that track up the East Coast or sit near Bahamas can generate South Florida waves for days.
For Miami, and specifically South Beach to go off, were waiting for a hurricane to move hundreds of miles off the North Florida coast to send a heavy north swell. When that north swell threads the needle between the Bahamas and Florida for it creates pristine A-frames.
It’s smart to keep an eye on the weather channel and local surf forecast to stay informed. Don’t be afraid to give us a call too.
Safety first, Always
Alright I’m going to get serious for a sec. Hurricane swell in Miami Beach creates extremely powerful surf. Rip currents get stronger, beach breaks get heavier, and conditions can change in seconds.
It’s important to know your abilities before even thinking about stepping foot in the water, check the forecast to get an understanding of what to expect for the day, read your lifeguard beach flags, and if the conditions just look to gnarly (which it probably will) then its ok to sit one out. Plus everyone loves a filmer 😉
What The Beach Flags Mean
- 🟢 Green Flag — Calm conditions, go have fun in the sun (but you know with caution).
- 🟡 Yellow Flag — Medium Hazards, with some moderate surf.
- 🔴 Red Flag — High Hazards, usually Heavy Surf with strong rip currents and white water.
- 🔴🔴 Double Red Flag — Water is closed to the Public.
- 🟣 Purple flag — Dangerous Marine Life in the water. Possible shark sighting or most likely some jellyfish in the water.
It’s important to always take a glance at what the flag are showing. You wouldn’t want a whole baywatch scenario playing out in front of everyone now would you?
Stay safe and Have Fun
Hurricane season is serious surf season down here in Miami, so get out there, have fun, stay safe, and head over to Island Water Sports Miami and tell us about your session. (I will hopefully be out there with yall
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