// Free Gear Checklist
Our free Beginner's Surf Guide has the exact gear checklist — what to buy first, what to skip, and how to pick a board and wetsuit that won't hold you back. Free, instant.
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// 6 Surf shops listed
Boards, wetsuits, wax and ding repair — with ratings, phone numbers and directions for each.
Seasonal averages for Florida — not a live surf report for this beach. Florida surf seasons in full
// The Local Scene
Most common features across the 6 shops in St. Augustine
// The Lineup
Ranked by rating confidence — review volume counts, not just the score.
4085 A1A S
Lessons · Rentals · Friendly staff
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers overwhelmingly praise the instructors, specifically naming Dustin, Noah, Cole, Ethan, Mike P, and Jeremy, for being extremely friendly…
1971D Dobbs Rd
Longboards · Good prices · Friendly staff
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers overwhelmingly praise the custom surfboards shaped by Kevin (and Mileski), noting exceptional quality, responsiveness, and performance…
85 Ava Way #106
Lessons · Rentals · Friendly staff
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers overwhelmingly praise the guides, especially Jeffrey, for being patient, kind, experienced, and excellent instructors, making first-time…
From 4 reviews
1020 Anastasia Blvd
1850 A1A S
Lessons · Apparel · Friendly staff
Auto-summary of reviews
Customers consistently praise the staff for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and attentive (mentioning specific employees like…
// Buying your first setup?
Don't walk into a surf shop without a plan.
Our free checklist picks the board and wetsuit that make standing up easy — so your money buys waves, not regrets. Or take the 60-second board quiz.
St Augustine combines America's oldest city charm with a thriving surf community supported by 14 shops serving both coasts. The city's unique position gives surfers access to Atlantic swells on the east and Intracoastal options when conditions shift. Local shops stock everything from beginner soft-tops to high-performance shortboards, with many offering same-day ding repairs and wax recycling programs. You'll find experienced shapers who understand Florida's finicky wave conditions and can dial in the right board for shifting sandbars. Beyond surf gear, these shops provide invaluable intel on tides, currents, and which breaks are firing. Between sessions, explore 450 years of history in the colonial quarter, grab fresh seafood on St George Street, or catch sunset at the Castillo de San Marcos. The combination of consistent surf access, knowledgeable shop staff, and rich cultural attractions makes St Augustine a worthy destination for any traveling surfer.
The best surf conditions in St. Augustine typically occur during the fall and winter months when Atlantic swells are more consistent, often requiring a thicker wetsuit. Spring brings smaller, more manageable waves suitable for longboarding practice. Summer sessions are best approached early morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and heavy onshore winds. Given the high volume of visitors, booking lessons or gear rentals, especially on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day, is highly recommended a few days in advance. Before going in, check the local beach forecast and talk to the lifeguard on duty (National Weather Service advice).
The city's 14 documented surf shops offer comprehensive services, including short-term and weekly board rentals suitable for various wave types. Most maintain repair facilities for dings and pressure dents, crucial after navigating the coquina-bottom breaks. Several local shapers offer custom board orders, though lead times can extend during peak season. Expect retail inventory focused on reef-safe sunscreens, wetsuits appropriate for cooler Florida waters, and local-themed apparel.
For summer and early fall sessions (water temperatures above 75°F), board shorts or a spring suit are usually sufficient. During the winter months (low 60s°F), a quality 3/2mm full suit is standard. Some shops rent these thicker suits during the colder peak season.
The primary hazard is navigating the coquina sandbars and occasional shallow breaks near the inlet. Visibility can be reduced after heavy rain. Always check local surf reports for current rip current warnings, which are common along the exposed coastline.
Yes, nearly all St. Augustine surf shops stock high-volume foam boards and soft-tops specifically for beginners. These are stable and safe for learning. It is advisable to reserve these popular beginner boards ahead of time, particularly on weekends.
The National Weather Service's advice applies here: only swim at a beach with lifeguards, check the local beach forecast and talk to the lifeguard before going in, and remember that rip currents often form on calm, sunny days. If one catches you, don't fight it: relax and float, wave and yell for help, or swim parallel to the beach until you're out of the pull. Florida beaches use a uniform warning-flag system: yellow means swim with caution, double red means the water is closed to the public, and purple means dangerous marine life is present.
