Jacksonville’s SeaGals is an uplifting community of women surfers who find common ground in the waves. Photo: Visit Jacksonville
Editor’s Note: This feature is presented by our partners at Visit Jacksonville
With 22 miles of beaches, Jacksonville offers surfers a mix of beginner-friendly sandbars and other fun waves, like the Mayport Poles in Hanna Park or the Jacksonville Beach Pier. This somewhat slept-on spot has rolling surf year-round, with peak swells during the fall and consistent waves in the winter.
To highlight this community, Visit Jacksonville launched a short-video series of “Board Stories” featuring local surfers who reflect the range of reasons people love surfing there. Each Board Story profiles a local surfer and a meaningful board, as they share the experiences that got them started or helped them achieve their biggest goals.
As a series, the videos give viewers a sense of how Jacksonville surfing has enriched their lives and forged bonds with a broader community, both in and out of the water.
Carving Out Space for Women
The series showcases several “SeaGals,” a group of women surfers who promote confidence, connection, and belonging on the waves among all skill levels in Jacksonville.
For champion surfer Sophie Falzone, Jacksonville is a place to share the joys of riding waves with friends and feel at home. Showing up and sharing the waves with other women adds to that sense of belonging.
Avery Hatfield came to surfing in adulthood. In her Board Story, she shares how an emboldened moment in her first session changed her whole outlook on surfing. It helped that she found a sisterhood among her fellow surfers. She now directs Sisters of the Sea, a Jacksonville Beach nonprofit, which has hosted surfing-related community events for decades and holds its own annual women’s contest.
Additionally, you’ll hear from surfing competitor Maggie Sullivan on her strong ties to the ocean. As the founder of Walk Along Wellness, she balances the unpredictability of the ocean with training in yoga and mindfulness for whole body wellness.
Local Connections
Other Board Stories include marathon surfer Kurtis Loftus showing off the board he used to set a record, riding 638 waves in a session lasting more than 31 hours at Jacksonville Beach.
Another fun story comes from the three Thompson brothers. These local legends have passed down a surfboard to each other as they learned to ride.
These short stories highlight the area’s community and surfing soul. Check out all the Board Stories in the series to see how this diverse cast of riders formed connections to its beaches and surf.
Jacksonville’s Legacy
Bruce Clelland put Jacksonville on the surfing map in the 1960s, with his appearance in “Endless Summer” and his domination of the East Coast scene. Then there were local legends like Larry Miniard and Joe Rolland, who represented the scene through dozens of contests.
The ’80s saw another wave of fame, with Sean Mattison becoming a U.S. Surfing Champion and winning a gold medal with Team USA. Even today, he continues to shape the sport, literally, as one of the world’s top board designers.
The Thompson Brothers have a legacy of professional surfing titles and giving back to the local surf scene. Photo: Visit Jacksonville.
More recently, longboarder Justin Quintal from Atlantic Beach dominated the junior circuit before taking his skills pro. He was crowned the 2019 WSL Champion and also claimed 10 wins at the Vans Duct Tape Invitational and five at the U.S. Open of Surfing.
Combined, the four Thompson Brothers have won a bevy of East Coast and professional titles during their tenure, including the tow-in Red Bull Night Riders competitions held at night. Beyond the accolades, Evan and Tristan continue to influence the Jacksonville surf scene as teachers at the Thompson Surf School. The brothers also host the Thompson Brother Classic, a community-driven contest and fundraiser.
Experience the Soul of Surf
In Jacksonville, you’ll find a mix of new kids and old guard surfers who are open to sharing waves with anyone willing to join them. It’s a high-energy spot that fosters camaraderie and community — with the usual unwritten rules in play. That said, some spots can get crowded in the summer, so research waves along the roomier beaches rather than the most popular breaks.
At 840 square miles, Jacksonville is the largest city in the Lower 48 by land mass. That’s plenty of room for activities and leisurely destinations day and night.
For the surf-and-travel set, Jacksonville is a popular destination for outdoor activities beyond its beaches. From water-based adventures like kayaking and fishing to land-based ventures like running and golf, there’s always something to do.
You’ll find the city has a lively nightlife with plenty to experience and an abundance of dining and lodging options.
Whether you’re planning a solo visit or bringing the family, there’s a handy trip planner at the Visit Jacksonville website. You’ll also find links to surf classes and rentals, too.
Kurtis Loftus set a world record on his longboard, riding 638 waves in a session lasting more than 31 hours at Jacksonville Beach. Photo: Visit Jacksonville.
