On Friday eve, in the members community calendar, we have a reminder to check the waves and see who wants to go. It will be different for everyone if it is the ideal day for you, and if not ideal, is it still a 'go' for you? If conditions are pretty good, we hope to send out an additional reminder to meet up and surf, paddle surf, boogie, or bodysurf. Please look for the notices if you're interested. The trick with the surf is, you have to go when it's good, you can't just go anytime. With experience, you figure out your options and flexibility.

This is a good link to go to and click around as it teaches you what everything means.

https://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Flagler-Avenue/forecasts/latest

Quick Thursday Checklist for a 'sweet spot' or close.

■ Wave height 1.5-3 ft. (1.5-2ft for cautious beginner. Under 1.5, bring out your paddle board).

■ Period between 8–12 sec. Bigger the better (easier to get out).

■ Winds under 12 mph (offshore).

■ If all boxes are checked → Green light! Pack the board.

■ If only 2 boxes are checked → Yellow light. Go if you’re comfortable.

■ If none are checked → Red light. Save it for next weekend.

Adds

■ Energy - wide range, from 20 to 150+ (just note it)

■ Direction - Direction at an angle to the shore is nice.

■ Note the tide (high or low)

■ Also, get to know 'Windy' https://www.windy.com/-Waves-waves?waves,28.968,-80.872,12

■ If we see light offshore breeze and under 1ft (Great for regular paddle. See turtles, dolphin etc).

Beginner Tips

• Always go with a buddy or group.

• Don't fall head first; flatten out. Could be shallow water.

• Don't let the board get between you and a waves. The wave can slam it pretty good.

• Use a bigger board (soft top or SUP) on smaller days.

• Don’t chase “perfect waves” — small & clean is safer and more fun.

• When in doubt, ask a local or just enjoy the beach.

• Nothing wrong with practicing in the white wash to get use to standing.

■ Remember: The best surf weekend for beginners isn’t the biggest waves — it’s the cleanest, most

forgiving conditions. So many ideas, that's why we are here, to help make them happen!