Navarre Beach is a mushy midbreak on Florida's Panhandle, tucked between the park and the pier so the crowd tends to spread out along the stretch. The sandy bottom serves up both rights and lefts, and on a decent mid-size swell it can turn into a fun, long beachbreak. It's average surf overall, and plenty of surfers on this coast make for the nearby piers and jetties.
When It Works
Navarre draws swell from southwest through southeast (SW-SE), with southeast and south swells the best match. It is usable from 1.2 m / 4 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft, running from head-high on the inside sandbar up to double overhead on the outside bar. Fall, winter, and spring bring the most action, with hurricane season adding to the mix. Paddling out is fairly easy, though bigger swells turn it into more of a grind.
Wind and Tide
Look for a north (N) offshore wind, with a workable window stretching from northwest to northeast (NW-NE). The bank breaks through low, mid, and high tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
Expect a fairly quiet lineup with a mellow, reserved feel. It is a friendly spot for all levels, from beginners to experts, and works with just about any board, from shortboards and fish to funboards and longboards.
Access
A parking lot with boardwalks leads down to the beach.
