South Florida

Cowabunga! Take a look at Florida surfers shredding Hurricane Erin’s waves

By Miami Herald Staff
Jonathan Flick catches a wave during the morning on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, off the beach in Stuart, Fla. Surfers estimated that waves ranged from 8 - 12 feet all morning.
Jonathan Flick catches a wave during the morning on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, off the beach in Stuart, Fla. Surfers estimated that waves ranged from 8 - 12 feet all morning. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com

Hurricane Erin’s passage far off shore created nearly perfect conditions for surfers along much of Florida’s coast. Miami Herald photographer Alie Skowronski spent Thursday morning on the beach in Stuart and caught amazing action on waves estimated at eight feet and higher.

The waves have caused damaging erosion and more serious damage along the East Coast but for Florida surfers, the hurricane brought big waves. The surf should settle down by late weekend.

Jonathan Flick catches a wave during the morning on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, off the beach in Stuart, Fla. Surfers estimated that waves ranged from 8 - 12 feet all morning.
Jonathan Flick catches a wave after Hurricane Erin’s passage. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Lance, a surfer from close to Miami, catches a wave during the morning on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, off the beach in Stuart, Fla. Surfers estimated that waves ranged from 8 - 12 feet all morning.
Lance, a surfer from close to Miami, catches a wave. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
A local surfer catches a wave during the morning on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, off the beach in Stuart, Fla. Surfers estimated that waves ranged from 8 - 12 feet all morning.
A local surfer high on the face of an Erin swell. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Tyler Walker surfs during the morning on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, off the beach in Stuart, Fla. Surfers estimated that waves ranged from 8 - 12 feet all morning.
Tyler Walker shreds the surf off Stuart. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Isabella Dimain, 19, right, kisses her father on the cheek during the morning on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, off the beach in Stuart, Fla. He drove down the coast to come see her surf.
Isabella Dimain, 19, right, kisses her father on the cheek before heading out to ride the waves off Stuart. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
A local surfer catches a wave during the morning on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, off the beach in Stuart, Fla. Surfers estimated that waves ranged from 8 - 12 feet all morning.
A local surfer cuts down the face of a wave off Stuart. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
A local surfer catches a wave during the morning on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, off the beach in Stuart, Fla. Surfers estimated that waves ranged from 8 - 12 feet all morning.
A local surfer in the tube off Stuart during what many experts called perfect conditions for Florida surfers. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
during the morning on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, off the beach in Stuart, Fla.
Isabella Dimain, 19, surfs off Stuart. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Jason Paruta catches a wave during the morning on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, off the beach in Stuart, Fla. Surfers estimated that waves ranged from 8 - 12 feet all morning.
Jason Paruta doused in spray off Stuart.. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Leo, left, and Sailor, mascots of Ohana Surf Shop, a family owned shop off of Stuart Beach, pose during the morning on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, off the beach in Stuart, Fla. The shop has seen increased sales since the storm. They said that when there is big swell, they always seen an increase in sales.
Leo, left, and Sailor, mascots of Ohana Surf Shop, a family owned shop off of Stuart Beach, greeted surfers on Thursday. The shop has seen increased sales since the storm. They said that when there is big swell, they always seen an increase in sales. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Joe Serrichio jumps off the top of a wave during the morning on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, off the beach in Stuart, Fla. Surfers estimated that waves ranged from 8 - 12 feet all morning.
Joe Serrichio jumps off the top of a wave during Thursday morning. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com

This story was originally published August 22, 2025 at 8:19 AM with the headline "Cowabunga! Take a look at Florida surfers shredding Hurricane Erin’s waves."

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