Where to Surf
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Alabama’s Beaches are known for pristine shorelines that provide ample opportunities for activities like Jet skiing, parasailing, boating, and kayaking. But those aren’t the only exciting watersports available on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Lots of people ask the question, “Can you surf in Alabama?” The answer is yes! While the swells in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores aren’t as consistently big as those at West Coast beaches, they offer surfers a peaceful and inviting experience. The calmer waters of the Gulf are great for both beginners and seasoned surfers. Discover the best spots and conditions for surfing on Alabama’s Beaches.
Best Surf Spots in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Alabama’s Beaches boast four main surfing spots, each with its own unique characteristics, swell directions, and crowd levels. Because of the subdued waves of the Gulf, these areas are great for learning to surf when conditions aren’t too rough.
Alabama Point
Alabama Point
Undoubtedly, the most popular place to surf on Alabama’s Beaches is Alabama Point, a public beach access in Orange Beach. Nearby breakwaters and jetties create favorable surfing conditions. Waves here can reach up to six feet when the wind is blowing north during southeast swells. This spot is the most reliable for surfing in Alabama. Boats and other water vessels are constantly passing through this spot, so be aware of your surroundings when surfing at this spot.
Spuds
Spuds
Just east of Alabama Point is Spuds, an exposed beach break. This Orange Beach surfing location is ideal for chasing southeast swells and northeastern winds. The waves here are similar to Alabama Point, but the water is typically less crowded, so Spuds is a good alternative when the Point is overflowing with surfers. When surfing here, be mindful of strong currents that may push you to nearby jetties.
Cotton Bayou (Terry’s Cove)
Cotton Bayou (Terry’s Cove)
Cotton Bayou public beach access is a convenient and popular surf spot in Orange Beach. Known by surfers as Terry’s Cove or The Cove, this area is separated by a 700-foot concrete pier and produces both left and right-handed waves, working for goofy and regular footers. Despite its popularity, it’s rarely overcrowded, so surfers don’t have to compete for waves. This prime surfing spot works best with southeast swells and has a shallow sandbar that sometimes provides hollow waves.
Lagoon Pass Park (West Pass)
Lagoon Pass Park (West Pass)
Little Lagoon Pass Park (West Pass) is a reef break that forms over a rocky bottom. While it provides both left and right waves, it favors regular-footed surfers. The water directly in front of West Pass is shallow; however, paddling 100 yards left and right will lead to nice breaks. Little Lagoon Pass Park is the only surfing spot in Gulf Shores, and while the conditions aren’t as consistent as other places, it boasts waves for all skill levels. If you surf this spot, be cautious of low tides and nearby jetties.
What Are Surfing Conditions Like on Alabama's Beaches?
Surfing conditions peak during the fall and winter months, as the colder weather brings larger swells. Waves will rarely reach over five or six feet, unless a system is forming in the Gulf. When offshore stormfronts do form, the swells are more powerful and provide the best surfing conditions. It’s best to regularly monitor weather and surf conditions, such as wave height, wind speed, and direction, to determine the best times to surf in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
Surf Lessons & Rentals
If you didn’t bring gear with you, you can easily rent surfboards and wetsuits from local shops like Tambo’s Surf Shack. Tambo’s also offers private surfing lessons for those who want to learn to surf. The instructors will provide you with all the necessary gear and guide you through the process during beginner-friendly conditions. The conditions on Alabama’s Beaches are ideal for first-time surfers.
Water Safety & Conditions
Before heading out into the water, check the daily beach conditions for beach flag reports, rip current forecast, weather and water temperatures, wind speeds, tide conditions, and surf conditions. When double red flags are flying, it is illegal to enter the Gulf. Lifeguards are present at public beach accesses from March through October.
No Waves? Find More Things To Do in Alabama’s Beaches
Even if the Gulf isn’t providing the right conditions for surfing, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the water in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Skimboarding is a popular watersport similar to surfing. If you want to explore the beautiful waterways in the area, hop aboard a sailing cruise or book an offshore fishing charter. For those craving a rush, soar above the waves on a parasail or fly across the water on a foil board. No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for on Alabama’s Beaches, the area provides something for everyone.
Sydnie Lee
A Gulf Coast native and Travel Marketing Professional, Sydnie is Alabama's Beaches Content Specialist (AKA taste tester and destination researcher.) She spends time visiting restaurants, attractions, activities, and events in the area to get the inside scoop on all things happening in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.
