Hillsboro Inlet Surf Spot & Cam
Pompano Beach, Florida · South Florida
Hillsboro Inlet is a jetty and reef wave for intermediate to advanced surfers who can read current and rock. It needs a genuinely big N swell, one of the region's most inconsistent setups, paired with W offshore wind and a mid tide, and rewards patience come winter cold fronts and fall groundswell.
| Day | Surf | Wind | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 7/24 | knee to waist (2.4 ft) | 14 mph E | Marginal |
| Sat 7/25 | ankle to knee (1.3 ft) | 11 mph SSE | Marginal |
| Sun 7/26 | flat (0.9 ft) | 22 mph SSW | Flat |
| Mon 7/27 | flat (0.9 ft) | 14 mph SW | Flat |
| Tue 7/28 | ankle to knee (1.4 ft) | 16 mph SW | Marginal |
| Wed 7/29 | knee to waist (2.0 ft) | 12 mph SW | Good |
| Thu 7/30 | knee to waist (2.3 ft) | 18 mph WSW | Good |
Days 8 to 15 are a lower confidence outlook. Data by Open-Meteo.com, refreshed every 2 hours.
How It Breaks
Hillsboro Inlet is an inlet and jetty setup with a reef and rock bottom under a layer of sand, a different animal from the sandbar piers up the coast. It's rated intermediate to advanced, current runs strong through the inlet, reported up to 6 knots, and that current combined with hard access keeps the crowd down to low to moderate even when it's firing.
Best Conditions
This spot needs a genuinely big N swell to turn on, it's one of the most inconsistent setups in the region, so don't expect it to work often. When it does, pair it with W offshore wind and a mid tide. Winter cold fronts and fall groundswell are the seasons to watch.
Live Cam & Know Before You Go
Watch the live cam at hillsborolighthouse.org before you commit to the drive out here. This is a reef and rock bottom break, so booties are a smart call, and the current is real: strong enough to affect boat traffic and reported up to 6 knots through the inlet. Know the flags, watch for boats, and mind your fins and feet on the bottom.
Parking & Local Tips
Parking is hard here, roadside spots are very limited near the inlet, so plan accordingly and don't expect an easy pull in. Access alone filters the crowd, this stays a low key, low to moderate crowd local spot even on a good swell. It's best left to surfers comfortable reading both current and reef before they paddle out.
Gear & The Shop
The Island Water Sports Pompano Beach store is 1.7 miles from Hillsboro Inlet, close enough for a quick stop on the way. Come by for a surfboard suited to reef, a winter wetsuit, leashes, wax, fins, ding repair, or a board bag, and ask about lessons or rentals at 954-427-4929.
Gear for Hillsboro Inlet
FAQ
Is Hillsboro Inlet good for beginners?
No, it's rated intermediate to advanced. Strong inlet current, reported up to 6 knots, and a reef and rock bottom make it a spot for experienced surfers.
What swell does Hillsboro Inlet need?
A genuinely big N swell. This is one of the most inconsistent setups in the region, so it only turns on with sizable swell, W offshore wind, and a mid tide.
Is there a live cam for Hillsboro Inlet?
Yes, watch the live cam at hillsborolighthouse.org, the Hillsboro Lighthouse North cam, before you make the trip.
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