Overview
91st St Pier is a sand-bottom beach and pier break in Galveston, where a pier reaching more than 1,000 feet into the gulf shapes some of the best sandbars on the island. Those banks throw up fun bowls beside the pier, but the spot sits open to the region's steady onshore winds and longshore current, so much of a session is spent working to hold your position. On most days with swell, it's the best shortboard wave in Galveston.
When It Works
The break draws south and southeast swell and works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 2.1 m / 7 ft, ranging from waist high to a few feet overhead. Peaks break both left and right over sand, and it comes into form in spring and autumn.
Wind and Tide
Look for offshore wind out of the north, northwest, or west-northwest when there's swell in the water. It favors mid to high tide, with a rising tide the better call.
Local Tips
This is an intermediate-to-expert wave, best ridden on a shortboard or fish. Expect a busy lineup that packs in tightest at the peaks by the pier and spreads out the farther you paddle from it, and it can get competitive up top on the good days. The rip beside the pier makes getting out easy, though you'll paddle against the current to stay on the peak. Keep in mind that water quality is often poor thanks to the nearby Houston shipping channel and Galveston runoff, and fishermen on the pier can be short-tempered.
Access
Getting in is easy, with paid parking on the seawall.
