Overview
Hobe Sound is a sand-bottomed beachbreak at the northern end of Jupiter Island, tucked inside the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. It's the southernmost point on Florida's coast that still catches due-east groundswells, since further south the shadow of the Bahamas blocks those long-fetch east swells. A reef about half a mile out is a handy indicator for approaching sets.
When It Works
This is a consistent beachbreak that peels both left and right over sand. It draws swell from north through east-northeast to southeast (N-ENE-SE), with northeast (NE) the best match. On bigger days with north swells, the longer lefts in particular link through to the beachbreak, reforming and standing up on the inside. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft.
Wind and Tide
Look for west (W) offshore wind. Low tide chokes the swell on the outside bank, so mid to high tide is the call for the better inside shorebreak, and a rising tide is generally the stronger option.
Local Tips
A friendly, beginner-level beachbreak, so expect a moderately busy lineup when it's on. There's an unofficial nudist beach about a quarter-mile north.
Access
You'll find restrooms and showers, and you pay to park year-round in the car park. This is an affluent, closed community with strict, well-monitored speed limits on its narrow streets, so stick to the posted limits to avoid a ticket. Watch out for oyster shells in the shorebreak and turbid water that hides plenty of sea life, particularly the toothed variety.
