Bunnell offers a genuine Old Florida experience just minutes from Flagler Beach's consistent surf breaks. The local surf shop provides essential services for wave riders exploring this less-crowded stretch of Florida's east coast, including equipment rentals, repairs, and crucial intel on the area's sandbars and tidal patterns. Unlike the commercialized beach towns to the north and south, Bunnell maintains an authentic, laid-back character with affordable accommodations and easy access to multiple surf zones. The shop serves as a community hub where you'll get honest advice about current conditions, seasonal swells, and which breaks work best on different wind directions. Between sessions, explore the historic downtown, grab fresh seafood at local spots, or venture to nearby state parks. For surfers seeking uncrowded waves and straightforward local expertise without the tourist markup, Bunnell delivers.
Bunnell's proximity to Flagler Beach means surf conditions are dictated by Atlantic swells, favoring fall and winter for more consistent, larger waves. Summer often brings smaller, wind-driven chop. Since there is limited retail presence directly in Bunnell, book rentals or lessons in advance, especially during holiday weekends when local traffic increases. Arrive early to secure parking near the access points along the coast.
The local surf shop typically stocks essential gear necessary for the nearby Atlantic breaks, including mid-range shortboards and foam boards suitable for beginner and intermediate riders. Expect common rental packages covering board, leash, and wax. While full custom shaping might require ordering through a regional shaper, reliable ding repair services for fiberglass and epoxy boards are usually available on-site. Ask about local tide charts or specific break recommendations for the day.
The most consistent and powerful swells occur between September and March, driven by nor'easters and frontal systems. Summer months generally offer smaller, less consistent surf, which can be ideal for longboarding or learning sessions.
Wetsuits are generally required from late November through early April, with 3/2mm full suits being common. During the peak summer heat, a rash guard or no wetsuit is typical, though water temperatures can still dip into the low 70s Fahrenheit.
Rental fleets usually focus on stable, user-friendly boards like fun shapes and soft tops. Accessing high-performance shortboards often involves purchasing or arranging a specific rental with advance notice through the local outfitter.
Bunnell offers a genuine Old Florida experience just minutes from Flagler Beach's consistent surf breaks. The local surf shop provides essential services for wave riders exploring this less-crowded stretch of Florida's east coast, including equipment rentals, repairs, and crucial intel on the area's sandbars and tidal patterns. Unlike the commercialized beach towns to the north and south, Bunnell maintains an authentic, laid-back character with affordable accommodations and easy access to multiple surf zones. The shop serves as a community hub where you'll get honest advice about current conditions, seasonal swells, and which breaks work best on different wind directions. Between sessions, explore the historic downtown, grab fresh seafood at local spots, or venture to nearby state parks. For surfers seeking uncrowded waves and straightforward local expertise without the tourist markup, Bunnell delivers.