Florida surfing gets a bad rap. Most people think if you aren't on the Atlantic side, you're basically paddling in a lake. Honestly? They’re missing out. Panama City Beach (PCB) is one of those places that can look like a postcard one minute and a legitimate, heavy-breaking beast the next. You just have to know when to look.
If you’re checking the surf report for Panama City Beach today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, you’re looking at a classic winter transition. Right now, it's pretty much a "log" day. We’re seeing waves in the 0.5 to 1-foot range—basically shin-high ripples. It's glassy early because of the light offshore winds, but don't get too comfortable. A front is sharpening over the Panhandle. By tonight and into Sunday, the wind is going to crank.
The Reality of PCB Waves
The Gulf is a wind-swell machine. Unlike California, where groundswells travel thousands of miles to hit the coast, PCB relies on local weather systems. If there's no wind, there’s usually no wave. But when a cold front pushes through like the one we're seeing this weekend, things get interesting.
The National Weather Service has already put out a Small Craft Advisory for tonight. Why does that matter to you? Because those 15-20 knot north winds are going to whip the Gulf into a frenzy. By Sunday morning, we’re expecting 2-foot waves with some bigger sets, though they’ll be choppy.
- Current Water Temp: It's hovering around 59°F to 62°F.
- Wetsuit Needs: You’re going to want a 3/2mm full suit. Some of the local "groms" might brave it in a spring suit, but with a wind chill making the air feel like 48°F, you'll regret it.
- Best Spots: St. Andrews State Park is the gold standard, especially near the jetties.
Why St. Andrews State Park Rules (and When it Doesn't)
The jetties at St. Andrews State Park act as a natural wave magnet. They help clean up the swell and provide a bit of a break from the brutal crosswinds. On a south-southeast swell, this place can actually produce a decent left.
📖 Related: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
But here’s the kicker: it gets crowded. Fast. When the surf report for Panama City Beach says it’s firing, every surfer from Tallahassee to Destin shows up. If the jetties are a zoo, head over to the City Pier or the County Pier (M.B. Miller). The sandbars there are constantly shifting, and you can often find a peak all to yourself if you're willing to walk a few blocks away from the main access points.
Reading the Forecast Like a Local
Most people look at the wave height and stop there. Big mistake. In the Gulf, the wave period is everything.
- 3-5 Seconds: Typical wind chop. It’s messy, weak, and frustrating. You’ll be paddling constantly just to stay in position.
- 6-8 Seconds: This is the "sweet spot" for PCB. It means the swell has a little more energy. The waves will have more shape and a bit more "push."
- 9+ Seconds: Rare. Usually only happens during major hurricane swells or very deep-water winter fronts.
If you see 4 feet at 8 seconds on the forecast, drop everything and go. If you see 6 feet at 4 seconds, expect a "washing machine" effect—lots of water moving, very little form.
The Wind Factor
In PCB, North is offshore. That’s your best friend. It grooms the waves and holds the face open. South winds are onshore—they create the waves but also destroy the quality. The trick is to wait for the "clean up." This usually happens right after a front passes, when the wind flips from South/Southwest to North/Northwest.
👉 See also: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
That window? It’s often only a few hours long. You've gotta be ready to move.
Real Talk on Gear
If you’re coming from out of town, don't show up with a tiny high-performance thruster unless it’s actually 4-foot plus. Most days in PCB are "volume days." A hybrid, a fish, or a longboard will get you 10x more waves.
I’ve seen too many guys struggling on "potato chips" while the old-timers on 9-foot logs are catching everything from the outside. Honestly, just grab a mid-length. You’ll thank me when you aren't exhausted after twenty minutes of battling the current.
What to Do Next
If you're serious about catching the next pulse, stop relying on just one app. Check the St. Andrews Bay buoy readings directly from NOAA (Station 42039 is a good reference point further out).
✨ Don't miss: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
Actionable Steps for the Weekend:
- Saturday Evening: Watch for the wind shift. As the North winds pick up, the Gulf will start to build.
- Sunday Morning: Hit the water early. The waves will be around 2 feet and messy, but the energy is building.
- Monday Morning: This is the "clean up" session. Expect smaller, glassy log lines as the wind settles into a light offshore flow.
Stop by Mr. Surf’s or Ron Jon at Pier Park if you need a wax refresh or a thicker hood. The locals are generally cool, but don't drop in on someone at the Jetties—that’s a quick way to end your session.
Keep an eye on the tide too. A rising tide at PCB usually helps the sandbars work better, especially near the piers. The next high tide is tonight around 8:45 PM, so tomorrow morning's falling tide should be prime for the sandbars to stand up.
Pack the heavy rubber, check the buoy one last time before you leave the house, and get out there. The winter season is short, and these fronts are the only thing keeping the surf scene alive until hurricane season rolls back around.
Check the local cams at the City Pier before you drive down. Sometimes the "hunch" is better than the data. If the water looks like it's stacking up, it probably is.