With its 17 miles of white sandy beaches, it’s no wonder that New Smyrna Beach is among the top surfing destinations on the East Coast. This small-town area with big-city amenities offers surfers at all levels the chance to catch the ultimate wave.
Surf Shops & Rentals
Whether you need a new board, are looking for a rental, or have a few dings you need repaired, the surf shops of New Smyrna Beach have you covered.
Nichols Surf Shop, the oldest establishment in the city, has provided boards, gear, and services since 1969. Newbies or those looking to improve their technique can take a 2-hour surfing class, which focuses on safety, working with the water, and having fun. Nichols also repairs and rents boards, offers a variety of surfing and beach apparel, and even hosts a surf report on its website.
With rentals, repairs, and new and used boards for sale, Red Dog Surf Shop is another local business to check out. Their sister shop, Kembali Board Shack, located near the surf shop, offers longboards as well as a curated collection of furniture and other home décor that exudes the surfing lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a high-performance board of your own, check out Quiet Flight Surfboards. A team of experienced shapers and surfers create hand-made, technologically advanced boards to suit any rider.
For gear, visit Rip Curl, right on Flagler Avenue. From board shorts to wetsuits, gloves, hats, and board covers, you’ll find anything you need at this shop.
Learn to Surf
If you’re not quite ready to head out into the surf on your own, or want to fine-tune your technique, New Smyrna Beach’s surfing schools can teach you how to have a good time in the waves while keeping yourself safe. For 30 years, Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy has taught first-timers of all ages, as well as more advanced surfing skills to those seeking to improve. The instructors offer weekend workshops, weeklong camps, and private lessons.
Surfin’ NSB also teaches surf lessons at the beach of your choice, and even provides the gear (board, wetsuit, etc.). Lessons can be private or group, with 10-15 minutes of beach instruction and an hour in the water.
Best Surfing Spots
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Smyrna Dunes Park, at the north end of town, is a prime spot for catching the waves. Plus, the ocean views here are breathtaking. For a less-crowded option, check out Bethune Beach Park. The park offers bathrooms, picnic facilities, and other recreation opportunities, so bring the whole family. Another location that attracts its fair share of boards is Ponce Inlet. With southeast/eastern swells, many surfers consider this the perfect spot for more advanced surfers.
