Boilers is a beach break at the east end of Surfside, tucked well down the sand from the crowded jetties. It takes its name from the Acadia, a submerged Confederate blockade runner whose boiler stacks once broke the surface but can no longer be seen from the beach. The sand shoals reliably around the buried wreck, and when it lines up it can throw a defined, hollow peak. More often, though, you'll find the scattered peaks typical of the rest of the region.
When It Works
Boilers draws swell from the east through south to south-southwest, with south and southeast swell the best match. It's usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 2.1 m / 7 ft, roughly waist to head high, and offers both rights and lefts over the sand. The better windows come in spring and autumn. Quality is generally low and the spot can be inconsistent, but it will occasionally light up when everything comes together.
Wind and Tide
The workable wind window runs from west to north, with northwest the offshore direction. Boilers comes in on mid and high tide, and a rising tide is usually the better call.
Local Tips
The peaks here suit a broad range of surfers, from beginners through to experts, on anything from a shortboard or fish to a funboard or longboard. The lineup stays quiet and can feel a little reserved. Longshore currents run strong and steady, so plan on a drift session and expect to walk back up the beach between waves.
Access
Getting in is easy, with parking right on the beach. Watch for loose sand if you drive along it.
