Fort Pierce North Jetty sits on the north side of the Fort Pierce Inlet, where a long rock jetty throws lengthy, wedgy rights off its side-wash. A run of right and left peaks up the beach helps spread out the crowd, and an outer reef comes into play on the bigger swells. It's one of the first spots far enough north of the Bahamas to slip out of the island's swell shadow, so little peaks can turn up even in the dead of summer. The bottom is sand, the wave carries good form, and it earns a decent rating as an easy, approachable break.
When It Works
The break draws swell from north through east-northeast to southeast (N-ENE-SE), with a good NE or E swell really getting it firing. South groundswell is usually blocked by the Bahamas, so those directions rarely deliver. It's usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft and works mainly as a right-hander, with clean lefts off the south side only on very rare, huge swells. Look for it through spring, autumn, and winter, with hurricane season adding to the mix.
Wind and Tide
Offshore wind blows from the west (W), and the spot generally favours light winds. It breaks across low, mid, and high tide, but a rising tide is the better call: the punchy little A-frame peaks improve as the water fills in, while a dropping tide brings rip currents that hurt the wave's form, and low tide can flatten it out. Strong north or northwest wind, or hard onshore, is the cue to look elsewhere.
Local Tips
Easy to paddle and beginner-friendly, North Jetty suits just about any board, from shortboard and fish to funboard, longboard, or bodyboard, and it really lends itself to longboarding. Expect a very busy lineup when it works, though the vibe is friendly. There are usually enough peaks to go around, even if the local longboarders tend to own a few of them.
Access
Access is easy, inside Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, and a park entrance fee applies. Facilities cover restrooms, showers, camping, and a surf shop, with a car park and paid parking on hand.
