Continent |
North America |
Country |
Florida (USA) |
Next Big City |
Panama City |
Next Town |
Panama City |
|
Type: |
Island |
Rider Ability: |
Beginner, Intermediate, Expert |
Features: |
No information |
Water
Type: |
Shallow, Flat, Chop, Small wave, Medium wave |
Hazards: |
No information |
Quality: |
Clean |
Best Tide: |
Tide independent |
When on Shell Island, you have access to the Emerald Green Gulf of Mexico for surf and flat water on the bay side. The island is accessible only by boat, but it is definitely worth the trip. The surf on the Gulf can be a mixed bag depending on weather conditions. With the strong cold fronts or tropical weather, the surf can range from 4-10 feet. Typically in summer, without a tropical system, the water is clear and flat. An afternoon sea breeze may increase it to 2-3 feet. Shallow areas.
Beach
Type: |
Sand |
Size: |
Big |
Hazards: |
Shells |
Beach Users: |
No information |
This spot is a pristine uninhabited white sandy beach with lots of launches for any wind direction. During the windy season, fall through spring, tourists are not on the island. Plenty of open space and great launch spots without trees or debris. The beach is littered with shells in some areas, so beware.
Weather
Spring:
|
Shorty, Normal |
Summer:
|
Shorts |
Fall:
|
Shorty, Normal |
Winter:
|
Thick |
Fall: air temp in the 60-80's°F and water temp in the 70's°F. Winter: air temp in the 40-60's°F with occasional dips in the 30's°F water temps in the upper 50-60's°F. Spring: air temp in the 50-low 70's°C and water in the 60's°F. Summer: air temp in the 80-90's°F and water in the 80's°F. Good to have a spring suit in fall and spring, and a dry suit in winter.
Wind
Best Months: |
January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
Wind Type: |
Thermal, Frontal |
Best Direction: |
No information |
Main Direction: |
N, NNE, NE, SE, SW, WSW, W, NW, NNW |
Several beaches make it possible to ride in any wind direction. Less wind in the summer except for tropical systems. Sea breezes usually last through June, with July, August, and the first part of September having the least amount of wind. Fall, winter and spring: as a front approaches, SE 12-30kts, after is passes through N, NW, NE 15-25kts. Summer W, SW 12-20kts in May, June, July depending on sea breezes, and the presence of tropical systems will significantly increase those amounts. The cooler months can tend to be gusty, but late spring and summer, the wind will blow like a fan, steady and consistent. On the island, any direction can be taken advantage of.
How to get there
Transport |
Boat |
Access
|
No walk |
Only accessible by boat from Panama City.
Extra information
Good for all riding levels.
Nightlife
Good nightlife in Panama City. Local night clubs on the beach. Destin is only 40 minutes to the west with a larger night life scene.