discover the space coast surfing
While Brevard is most famous for rocket
launches, it is also one of the most
popular surfing destinations, not only
on the eastern seaboard, but the nation
and even the world.
With 72 miles of beaches — from
Sebastian Inlet to Playalinda, there
are dozens of great beach breaks where
surfing, paddle boarding, kite surfing
and even foil surfing can be enjoyed.
From 11-time men’s world tour champion
and surfing icon Kelly Slater, who honed
his skills as a teen on the waves off the
Space Coast, to Melbourne Beach native
Caroline Marks, the youngest female
surfer to ever compete on the world
stage, the list of Brevard natives who
have contributed to the growth of the
sport and industry is both unique and
internationally known.
SurfU’sP
Cocoa Beach is home to the world
famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, the largest
of its kind, as well as the annual Surfing
Santas gathering, which since its
beginning in 2009 has drawn hundreds
of surfers and thousands of spectators
to the area on Christmas Eve.
The Space Coast is also home to the
Florida Surf Museum in Ron Jon Surf
Shop. The nonprofit’s mission is to
preserve all aspects of the area’s unique
history and culture and showcases
everything from vintage surf boards,
memorabilia and exhibits.
The museum also hosts the annual
Waterman’s Challenge, a familyfriendly
amateur surfing contest in
June. Admission is free.
The Cocoa Beach Pier surf break is
home to the annual National Kidney
Foundation Surf Festival, one of the
oldest and most famous East Coast
charity surfing events. The more than
30-year-old fundraiser held on Labor
Day has raised millions of dollars for
kidney cancer research.
KEVIN SACKETT
JASON HOOK
WORLD SURF LEAGUE
44 : DISCOVER THE SPACECOAST 2023