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Aerial satellite view of 2nd Light surf break in Central Florida, Florida, United States
Central Florida, Florida, United States

2nd Light

28.253, -80.603
Edited by Thomas Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-reviewedCross-checked against 1 reference
A-frame · BeachBeginner → Advanced2–6 ftJan – Dec

Central Florida's so-called Wave Magnet earns its nickname by picking up swell when the rest of the coast goes flat. Located along Florida's Space Coast, this beach break responds to SE and NE swells from 1ft dribblers up to well-overhead surf during hurricane season. Low-to-incoming tide tends to sharpen the shape, and a solid ground swell can produce legitimate barrels. Weekdays it runs mellow with a mixed crew of longboarders and shortboarders sharing peaks. Weekends draw a crowd, especially when size is up and the better surfers come out to play. Bottom: sand. Season: consistent year-round, peaks late summer through fall. Consistency: reliable for Florida standards. Bring a longboard or hybrid for the small days, since much of what shows up here is waist-high or under, and save the shortboard for the rare overhead swells.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Beginner → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Punchy beach break peaks with occasional hollow sections.

Conditions

When it works
Optimum tide
All tides
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
18° to 29°C
Wetsuit
Boardies to 2mm
What to bring
  • Longboard or hybrid for typical small surf
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for overhead hurricane swell
  • Fish or mid-length for waist-to-chest days
Lineup
Easy-going
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Weekdays are manageable, with a local crew that knows the banks well. Weekends pull in weekend warriors from Tampa and beyond, which compresses the lineup noticeably. Localism is moderate: respect right-of-way, don't snake sets, and the vibe stays civil. Dawn patrol on weekends solves most of the crowd problem.

Access & Facilities

Access is straightforward via the public beach approach. Parking, rinse showers, and nearby food options are available close to the beach. No major hazards beyond the occasional shore break closeout on bigger swells. Water quality is generally acceptable but check after heavy rain.

Nearby Alternatives

If 2nd Light is maxed out or blown out, Sebastian Inlet a short drive south offers a more structured right-hand setup on the same swell. Cocoa Beach provides additional beach break options closer to the pier when NE wind swell fills in.

10-day swell, wind and tide

2nd Light surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

Before you paddle out

2nd Light is a beach break suited for beginner to advanced surfers. Confident beginners can give it a go on small days.
2nd Light
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