Wingfoil Spot Guide Cocoa Beach: Jacques Beach on the 528

• Posted on 13 January 2025
• By Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic
• 0

Cocoa Beach Wing Foil Locations: Jacques Beach

Looking for the perfect wingfoiling spot with consistent winds, easy access, and a laid-back vibe? Jacques Beach might just be your new favorite wingfoiling destination in Cocoa Beach.

Located just off the 528 on your way into Cocoa Beach, this hidden gem offers everything wingfoilers need for an epic session. The pull-off leads to a small, grassy launch area with a cozy sandy beach, making it an ideal spot to gear up and hit the water. On windy days, the scene is electric—vans line the road, and the water comes alive with wingfoilers taking full advantage of the ideal conditions.

What makes Jacques Beach stand out? The water in front of the launch is shallow enough to make setup and transitions easy, yet just a short ride out gives you access to deeper water. Unlike spots like the 520 Slick, where foiling is limited to a narrow channel, Jacques Beach offers a more forgiving environment with plenty of room to explore. Whether you’re here for the vibe or the conditions, Jacques Beach delivers.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the most of your session at Jacques Beach—from wind conditions to local tips and tricks.

Why Cocoa Beach is a Top Wingfoiling Destination

Cocoa Beach is not just a destination—it’s an experience. This iconic Florida hotspot is the perfect mix of laid-back vibes and adrenaline-fueled adventure, making it a haven for wingfoilers and water enthusiasts alike.

• Reliable Wind Conditions: Cocoa Beach picks up from October and gets windier though the spring. Expect more north winds in the winter. This location will be best on the frequent south winds that occur more towards the spring.
• Warm, Swimmable Waters: You’ll need a wetsuit in the winter but the spring and fall the temps are perfect for boardshorts.
• A Spot for All Skill Levels: With the right wind direction, beginners will get blown back into the shallows here. There is plenty of space for riders to progress.
• Thriving Watersports Culture: Cocoa Beach isn’t just a place to wingfoil—it’s a community. The town pulses with energy from fellow water enthusiasts. With rental shops, lessons, and a vibrant local scene, you’ll feel right at home whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro. Plus, there’s nothing like pulling into a spot and finding a lineup of fellow riders stoked to hit the water.
• More Than Just Wingfoiling: Cocoa Beach is a tourist paradise for a reason. After your session, explore legendary spots like Ron Jon Surf Shop, savor fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants, or soak up the sun on the miles of sandy beaches. It’s the ultimate blend of sport and relaxation.

When to visit Jacques Beach for wing foiling

Winter (December – February):

December though February is the peak windy season here. This works well as it’s cold everywhere else but it can get cold this time of year. Temperatures can range from the mid 70s to mid 50s in the day while nights can drop into the 40s or late 30’s. We get frequent wind this time of year and while you will need a wetsuit this is a great time to ride here.

• Pros: Lots of wind and empty beaches.
• Cons: Colder temps.

Spring (March – May):

The springtime is a vibe with warmer air, warmer water and more Southwind days. Expect more tourists with spring break so the beaches can fill up. When it’s warm, you’ll be sharing the beach

• Pros: Warm temps return, smoother steady breezes.
• Cons: Wind can be less predictable toward late spring. More crowds.

Summer (June – August):

Summer is light and reserved for more experienced wing foilers with the right equipment. You’ll want a good light wind wing foil board like the AK Nomad and a light wind wind around 7m. The right hydrofoil will make tell the difference between riding or sitting on the beach. We’ve a review on our favorite light wind hydrofoil that you can read here.

• Pros: Prime time board short wind.
• Cons: Lighter wind days—sometimes no wind for long stretches.

Fall (September – November):

Fall is a great time of year here. The windy season often kicks off in the mid to late fall. Some years it’s not as consistent as the winter but often it can be. This year we had an incredible fall with lots of stong winds for days back to back. The locals were loving it! The temperatures are still warm this time of year and the water is also very comfortable.

Check out our wingfoil accessories like impact vests and more here. 

Launching and Landing at Jacques Beach 

• Entry Points: The launch here is long and narrow. You’ll be able to find a place to set up along the grass or on the small sandy beach where everyone walks out.  
• Tips for Setup:
• Walk out on the small sandy beach and into the deeper waters to the west.
• Secure your gear so it doesn’t blow on the highway here. The beach is very narrow.
• Beginner Friendliness: The easy access, shallow entry and exit points, and community here make this a great beginner beach. Be sure to only ride the safe wind directions and avoid north winds here.

Local Tips and Insider Knowledge

• Take the 528 towards the Port Canaveral exit. You’ll see a small access road and beach pull off marked on our map. This is where you park and set up.
• Crowds: In the winter this spot will be mostly wingfoilers. Watch out for spring break and warmer days. The beach gets crowded with non wingers when temps reach the 80s.
• Hazards to Watch For:
• Avoid north winds that will blow you offshore.
• The water gets shallow near the beach so be mindful when on foil.

Best wind directions.

S, SE, SW,

South east winds are great here with smoother winds. This is best for newer riders. You can walk west down the beach and tack downwind towards the entry point. On a south, the chop will kick up but it’s a good direction. Newer riders will need to walk out aways to the deeper water or to the west for deeper water. South west winds are going to be gustier as the wind is traveling over more obstacles but it’s doable. Likewise, you can ride here on a north wind but more riders gravitate towards the 520 on a north. The water is shallow there but there are channels.

Amenities at Jacques beach.

• Parking: To park here, you just pull of the highway to a small dirt access road. You’ll see a bunch of vans and wings set up on windy days.
• Facilities: There are no facilities here. This is just a pull off the 528 on your way into town.
• Food and Drink: You are just outside of Cocoa Beach so you’ll have your pick of lots of options after your session. Being a tourist town, we could write several guides on all the different things to do. There is a great Poke Bowl place right where the 520 crosses North Atlantic Ave. It’s a short drive though town but always filling after a session.
• What else to do: Cocoa Beach is an amazing place for stand-up paddle boarding. Did you know we’re the largest SUP shop in town? If the wind shuts up, You can take some paddle boards out into the river or in the Ocean to enjoy our epic beaches in a different way.

Other Spots to Explore

• You’re never far from other popular wing foil locations like Cherry down park on the main beach, Kelly Park is just down the road and has more amenities. More parking, restrooms, and more space to rig up.

If you want to learn more about wing foil in Cocoa Beach give us a call or stop by the shop. We frequently hold demos around town in the windy season. Ask us about our next demo and we’ll keep you in the know! If you ned any gear, we’re a full servis wingfoil shop with hydrofoils, wingboards, wings and more accessorie like wetsuits, leashes and Sups.

Written by Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic: 

Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing specialist and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. An avid waterman, he's passionate and knowledgeable about all things watersports from wingfoil to wake. When he's not writing articles, you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.