Hillsboro Inlet is a left that breaks over sand and reef off the south side of the inlet. Sandbars set up here much like they do at Reef Road, though the surf never comes close to matching it. On a big north swell the wave breaks point-style off the south side and runs super long, and it can even turn hollow, but only when a genuinely big swell shows up. It is a below-average spot overall, the kind of place no one drives to solely to surf.
When It Works
This is a size-dependent wave, usable from 1.5 m / 5 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, and the bigger the better. It draws swell from north-northeast to northeast, with the strongest north swells wrapping point-style off the south side of the inlet. The season runs through spring, autumn, and winter.
Wind and Tide
Look for a west offshore wind, though there is a workable wind window stretching from south-southwest to north. The spot breaks at low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
Best suited to intermediate and expert surfers, it takes a wide spread of boards, from shortboards and fish to funboards, longboards, and bodyboards. Expect a moderately busy lineup that can feel a little reserved when it works. Keep an eye on the current, which can add to your paddling depending on the swell, and watch for man-of-war and sea lice in the water.
Access
Typical South Florida, so plan on hunting around a bit to find parking.
