"SeaGals" Proves Jax Beach Should Be Your Next Surf Trip

One of my favorite surf communities in the US is a small beach town on the edge of a big coastal city: Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Why? Well, if you've been there, you probably know: the waves, the food, the community that's driven by selfless service, and so much more.

And if you haven't been there, well, keep reading for why you absolutely need to make it your next trip.

Let us introduce: "SeaGals"

Visit Jacksonville recently dropped "SeaGals", a latest installment of their "Soul of Surf" video series, featuring local surfers, local stories, and local vibes.

The segment reminded me of how unique the Jacksonville Beach surf community is, and how much I need to take a trip back. It includes three incredible local women: Sophie Falzone, Avery Hatfield, and Maggie Sullivan, all tied around the theme of empowering the lineup.

Before I give quick descriptions on each gal, let's just say they all absolutely rip. Sophie Falzone grew up looking up to local women in the lineup and, realizing that she is now a mentor, uses her voice to encouraging new surfers to paddle out and grow their surfing skill.

Maggie Sullivan, founder of Walk Along Wellness, spends her time giving back through local surf lessons, yoga, and group retreats. For her, the real magic of Jax Beach lies in using the waves as a way to build relationships and, most importantly, give back.

For Avery Hatfield, Executive Director of Sisters of the Sea, getting in the water was about overcoming her fears, and today she uses that to encourage and mentor for the next generation.

Of course, surfing can be competitive, ego-driven and even dangerous. But as the girls explain, the lineup at Jacksonville Beach is different. Its open, its inviting, and best of all — as a father with daughters myself — it's empowering.

As they said in the video: "Some days you're the one dropping in. Some days you're the one watching, grinning just because she nailed it. That's the current we move in."

If that's not enough to get you to Jax Beach in the forseeable future, keep reading...

3 Reasons to Visit Jacksonville Beach

Like I said earlier, Jacksonville Beach is one of my favorite surf communites from sea to shining sea, and here's why:

#1: The surf community is welcoming.

Look, we've all experienced it: surf communities or lineups where the people kill the vibe. Maybe it's competitive, maybe everyone's too eggy. But that's not the case in Jacksonville Beach. The surfing is built around not so much a competitive experience, but a shared and fun one. It's the kind of spot where strangers will call you into waves, and then, after your session, those same strangers will help you jump your car in the parking lot (I'm speaking from personal experience here). It's also the kind of spot that, even if the waves are firing, many of the area's best surfers may be volunteering — through orgs like Walk Along Wellness and Sisters of the Sea — to help people in need experience the healing powers of the sea.

And if you do come across an eggy surfer, the best part is that, because the entire community full of beachbreaks, there's a better wave with friendlier people just down the road, and in many cases, is walking or even paddle distance.

That's why the SeaGals video hit home for me. It's not a rosy picture of what the lineup in Jacksonville Beach could be; it's spot on: it's welcoming, empowering, and straight up a good time.

#2: Jacksonville Beach gets really good waves.

Sitting on the north end of Florida, the great thing about Jacksonville Beach is that it's a swell magnet.

It picks up swell from virtually any direction with an easterly component, from solid N, NE, E, to SE swell windows.

In the fall, Atlantic hurricane season and early nor'easters push long-period groundswells from the northeast and east, firing up the sandbars with solid, punchy waves and, in some cases, waves of consequence.

In the summer, the ocean settles down into smaller, fun-sized log waves driven by gentler south and southeast windswells, making it the season for cruiser sessions, fish boards, and casual paddle-outs. I've personally learned that if it's flat on the entire East Coast of Florida, there's likely still a wave in Jacksonville Beach.

#3: What surrounds the waves is just as inviting and fun.

Some of my favorite surf towns have a unique and fun community around it, and that's a great way to describe Jacksonville Beach.

For food right off the sand, you can grab fish tacos at TacoLu, dive into (my personal favorite) blackened mahi sandwiches at Sandbar Jax Beach (located right near the Jax Pier), or hit Dockside Seafood Restaurant for fresh local shrimp served right on the water.

The surf shop scene is great, too. Super close to the beach is Sunrise Surf Shop (a staple since 1976) and Jax Beach Surf Shop. Yes, you can get gear at either spot, but best of all, you can cruise in the shop and spend time with the workers, talking about your recent surf sessions.

I'll add in an honorable mention here too: Jacksonville Beach is surf friendly with plenty of parking. I did some research, and it has over 1,000 public parking spaces throughout the downtown area, plus free weekday parking. The parking, unlike other surf communities, won't stress you out.

The Bottom Line

From good food to easy parking, and most importantly and empowering lineup, I love Jacksonville Beach. But don't just take it from me.

Make it your next surf trip — there's plenty of hotels and airbnbs near or on the water to choose from — and experience yourself, especially if you're, like me, a girl dad.

And if you haven't checked out Visit Jacksonville's full lineup of video segments profiling their community, check 'em out right here.