Why Beginners Should Avoid the Pier and Poles When Learning to Surf in Jacksonville Beach
Surfing is an incredible sport that connects you with the ocean and challenges your body and mind. But if you’re just starting out, the last place you want to try surfing is at the Pier or the Poles in Jacksonville Beach. These spots are famous and often crowded with experienced surfers, making them tough and sometimes unsafe for beginners.
I’ve spent thousands of hours in the water here, learning and teaching myself how to surf. I want to share what I’ve learned about the best places to practice and how to build your skills so you can eventually surf alongside local champions like Jason Motes, Justin Quintal, and Cody Thompson. These pros didn’t start at the Pier either—they found quieter spots to grow their skills first.
Quiet spots along Jacksonville Beach offer the best learning environment for new surfers.
Why the Pier and Poles Are Not Good for Beginners
The Pier and Poles are well-known surf spots in Jacksonville Beach. They attract many surfers because the waves can be great. But for beginners, these places come with challenges:
Crowded waters: Experienced surfers dominate these spots. It’s hard to find space, and the lineup etiquette can be confusing.
Stronger waves: The waves here are often bigger and faster, which can be intimidating and dangerous for new surfers.
Safety risks: Without proper skills, you risk collisions or getting caught in tricky currents.
Trying to learn here can lead to frustration, injuries, or even accidents. It’s better to start somewhere quieter where you can focus on your balance, paddling, and timing.
How Local Champions Built Their Skills Away from Crowds
Surfers like Jason Motes, a 35-time East Coast Champion, Justin Quintal, a World Champion Longboard surfer, and Cody Thompson, winner of the Rip Curl Pro, all started by surfing away from busy spots. They spent hours in less crowded areas, learning the ocean’s rhythm and improving their technique.
These champions didn’t get good by rushing into the busiest breaks. They put in the time where they could practice without pressure. That’s the path I recommend for anyone new to surfing.
Finding the Best Places to Practice in Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Beach is almost like an island, surrounded by water on the ocean side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. The avenues here run east to west, and the streets run north to south. There’s beach access at almost every avenue from Seagate to the St. Johns line, where you enter Ponte Vedra.
Here are some tips to find beginner-friendly spots:
Start at less popular avenues: Try 16th North or 16th South, or any avenue you haven’t heard much about. These spots are usually less crowded.
Check the tide: Waves change a lot depending on whether the tide is coming in or going out. Some spots work better at certain tides.
Look for runouts: These are areas where waves break gently and give you longer rides, perfect for learning.
One fun wave I want to mention is at Mickler’s Landing, where Buddy Evans, a seven-time East Coast Champion, hosts surf clinics. It’s a great place to get some coaching and practice in a supportive environment.
Getting Comfortable with Your Board and the Ocean
When you’re starting, it’s important to spend time just feeling your board in the water. Learn about its buoyancy, height, and thickness. Notice how the waves move and where you need to paddle.
You will take more waves on the head than you ride at first, and that’s okay. Falling is part of learning. Your body isn’t used to the rhythm and movement surfing requires. Each time you fall, you learn something new about balance, speed, and positioning.
Getting comfortable paddling and balancing on your board is the first step to catching waves.
Why Learning Surf Etiquette and Safety Matters
Surfing isn’t just about riding waves. It’s also about respecting others in the water. When beginners don’t understand the rules of the lineup, it can create safety hazards for everyone.
Don’t drop in on others’ waves: This can cause collisions.
Wait your turn: Surf spots work best when everyone respects the order.
Be aware of your surroundings: Know where other surfers and swimmers are.
If you’re new, I recommend getting an intro session with a coach. At Sandbar Sofa Surfers, we offer beginner lessons that teach you not only how to surf but also how to be safe and respectful in the water.
How Coaching Can Help You Progress Faster
I taught myself how to surf by spending thousands of hours in the water, never having the right board or wetsuit...but having a coach can speed up your progress and understanding by expediting your education through their own successes and failures... Coaches can:
Show you the right techniques early on
Help you understand ocean conditions
Teach you surf etiquette and safety
Build your confidence in the water
Make sure you are using the best and most righteous board and equipment
After a beginner session, find a quiet spot to practice on your own. This way, you can take risks and learn without feeling like the “kook” everyone avoids.
Homework for New Surfers: Explore and Observe
Here’s some homework for you:
Go to 16th North or 16th South, or any avenue you haven’t tried.
Check the tide and watch how the waves behave.
Look for runouts and gentle waves.
Spend time just feeling your board and the water.
Practice paddling and catching small waves.
This will help you build a strong foundation before moving on to busier spots like the Pier.
Quiet beach access points like 16th Avenue offer the perfect environment for beginners to practice. This Picture... 16th Ave North.
Final Thoughts on Starting Your Surf Journey in Jacksonville Beach
Surfing is a journey that takes time and patience. Avoid the temptation to jump into the busiest spots like the Pier or the Poles right away. Instead, find quieter places to practice, learn the ocean’s rhythm, and build your skills.
Remember, even local champions started small. Put in the hours, respect the ocean and others in the water, and consider getting some coaching to guide you. When you’re ready, you’ll be able to surf confidently alongside the best.
If you want to get started with expert guidance, check out the beginner sessions at Sandbar Sofa Surfers. They offer a welcoming community and expert instruction to help you catch your first wave safely and confidently.
Surfing is about enjoying the ocean and growing every day. Take your time, respect the water, and have fun out there. Your next wave is waiting.
If you are rad and ready to take the next step, check out what's happening this year with surfing events locally and around Florida. Click here.
I am going to see you in the water soon,
Jeremie
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