Should I Surf at High or Low Tide?

The best tide for surfing in most cases is low, to an incoming medium tide. Keep in mind low-tide on shallow surf breaks jack the waves up higher, leaving less room between the water's surface and ocean bottom. Always know the area you're surfing and avoid shallow reef and rock obstacles if possible.

Is HIGH TIDE bad for surfing?

Some spots are best when the tide is full on high or low (depending on the spot). However, too high of a tide for most spots will swamp the surf out (fat/slow/mushy), with the waves breaking more onto themselves rather than top to bottom. ... Too low a tide may drain things out (suck the life out of the swell).

What tide is best for beginner surfers?

Most surfers agree that high tide provides the best surf. However low tide might be the best time to surf if you're a beginner surfer or have never surfed before. Let me explain why low tide sandbars in North Florida are perfect for learning.