Overview
Jetty East, also known as Jetty East Condos, is the Destin area's premier big-wave spot. It breaks over a sandy bottom along the Emerald Coast, so named for the color of the water, with rights and lefts peeling off the jetty. It's a decent spot that can get genuinely good and handles real size.
When It Works
Winter is prime, with spring and autumn also in play, and it breaks best after a passing cold front swings the wind out of the northwest. The spot draws swell from southwest through south-southeast, standing up overhead to double overhead. It's usable from 1.8 m / 6 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, with most sessions landing in the six-to-eight-foot range and rare days climbing toward ten feet. Paddling is easy on the small days but gets tougher as the swell fills in. When it's big, walk down toward the jetty and use the channel between it and where the largest waves break; you'll drift east as you pick off waves, then head in and walk back up the beach.
Wind and Tide
The workable wind window runs from northwest to northeast, with north offshore. It breaks through low, mid, and high tide, but a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one is for intermediate and expert surfers riding shortboards or guns, not for newcomers. Expect a moderately busy lineup with a neutral atmosphere, and crowds can spike high if word gets out.
Access
It's about a ten-minute walk to the spot, and keep an eye out for parking attendants.
