Orlando, FL - closest place to surf?

[mjames]

Hello everyone! I am going to be in Orlando FL in late October for a conference, and I was hoping to surf before (or after) work. Any suggestions for a spot? What is the closest? I will also need to rent a board... suggestions? THANKS!!!

[LJSurfa]

I don't know Florida well but I do know that Kelly Slater grew up in Cocoa Beach and that did him ok don't think it is very consistent tho

[Jackrichard03]

Well, you are hoping good. I have not much knowledge about Orlando FL. But one thing which I would like to suggest you is go for some professional who can guide you and help you in surfing.

[Kulchashok]

Well theres plenty of surf near by. You can take the 528 to Cocoa Beach or jump on the 4 and get to New Smyrna. The 4 will also take you to the west coast of Florida which could be good if theres late season storms. good luck

[billie_morini]

Every few years, I visit my Mom in O'Town. During these visits, I slip away to catch waves at Cocoa Beach. Tips:

1) you can rent board (wetsuit, too, if cold) and buy rash guard at Ron Jon's (http://www.ronjonsurfshop.com/) and Cocoa Beach Surf Company (http://www.cocoabeachsurf.com/). They're across the street from one another. It's an easy 2 minute walk to beach from these stores
2) be sure to feed the parking meter (or park where there is no meter and walk a few blocks)
3) There's a nice hump on the south side of the pier about midway out - See more at: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=22329

[tony g]

I was in Orland Florida last year. I know you can surf at New Smyrna Beach, FL. It is only about an hour from the airport (MCO). Anyway you might want to check it out. It's right by Edgewater. Let us know if you find some waves while you are there. Maybe you could even post a picture or two.

[mjames]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I've surfed in Melbourne Beach before, so I'll most likely head back that way and surf their or Cocoa. I'm just trying to figure out the logistics of it all, seeing as the conference starts early and lasts all day.... I might have to duck out early some how. I'll figure it out

[mjames]

surf was flat in melbourne / cocoa beach... i was bummed.

[billie_morini]

mjames,
So sorry it was all flat. There has been too much of this going on this Winter in the US.
billie

[Indysurfer]

Hi, I would also suggest New Smyrna Beach. It is a really cool little surf village on the beach. Part of the beach allows for driving on the beach, which is nice if you have a bunch of stuff to unload, but otherwise, is something you will need to look out for if you are walking. I have seen people almost get hit many times.
The surf is hit and miss form what I have seen. I was there in April of 2012 and the surf was solid and clean. Next to the main entry point to the beach are a couple surfshops for wax, etc.
I have been skunked more times than I can count on Florida surf in general though. Perhaps, you might want to be prepared to grab a body board or even a skim board if the waves are gutless.
Also this is a fairly sharky area of the US, so be aware of the landlord in the grey suit.
P.S...the truly closest place to surf in proximity to Orlando would be Typhoon Laggon at Disney where you can surf the wavepool before or after normal operating hours...though I can't vouch for that

Andy

[CARBr6]

Typhoon Lagoon?
I just googled that and you're right.
You get 100 waves, max 24 other surfers for $11 per wave. that's crazy
Check out youtube, doesn't look like a very long ride though

[Indysurfer]

Typhoon Lagoon?
I just googled that and you're right.
You get 100 waves, max 24 other surfers for $11 per wave. that's crazy
Check out youtube, doesn't look like a very long ride though

Being landlocked for now...due to my job, I am hopeful that they can get the technology right to make waveparks like you see in the "wavegarden" youtube video. 11 bucks per wave is pretty steap IMO.

Andy

[CARBr6]

Definitely!! Disney charge $1100 per session!
There is a company putting a wave garden in Bristol, England