On a calm June morning at Jacksonville Beach, the Atlantic Ocean lay nearly flat, with barely a ripple to excite even the most seasoned surfer. Yet, undeterred by the lack of waves, members of the University of North Florida (UNF) Surf Team paddled into the water — preparing for one of the most competitive collegiate surfing events in the nation.
The team is gearing up for the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) Championships, set for June 13-15 in Dana Point, California. For UNF’s surfers, consistent local surf conditions remain a challenge, forcing them to adapt and seize rare opportunities to train when the Atlantic allows.
“We wouldn’t normally be out there in conditions like these,” admitted senior Jake Whitaker, one of seven Ospreys headed west to represent the university. “It hasn’t been the best season for waves, but we make the most of it when we get out.”
Despite Jacksonville’s notoriously flat surf—often resembling still waters more than rolling waves—UNF’s surf program is recognized as the most consistent collegiate surf team east of the Mississippi. Over the years, they have built a strong presence nationally, finishing as high as second place in the NSSA team standings on four occasions.
Building a Surfing Community Despite the Odds
The UNF Surf Team operates as a club sport rather than a varsity program, which means it lacks official support from the university’s athletic department. This arrangement places the financial and logistical burden squarely on the surfers themselves. To fund travel to regional and national events, the team has gotten creative—partnering with local designers to sell branded T-shirts, securing sponsorships from businesses like Sunrise Surf Shop and Smoothie King, and even raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign.
“We have to work hard to find sponsors and fundraise to support our trips,” said Whitaker. “But the team spirit is strong—we surf, throw parties, and really enjoy the lifestyle together.”
Adapting to Unpredictable Waves
The team’s training schedule revolves entirely around the unpredictable conditions of the Atlantic coast. Jacksonville’s surf, flat for much of the year, rarely offers the consistent waves California surfers enjoy. As senior Hannah Klein put it, “About 75 to 80 percent of the time, the water looks like this—flat. So when there’s even a small bump, we’re all out there.”
The Ospreys keep a close watch on weather forecasts, hoping for the rare swell that allows them to sharpen their skills. Occasionally, tropical activity off Florida’s coast hints at potential waves, but such opportunities are fleeting.
Balancing schoolwork, part-time jobs, and surf practice is a constant juggling act. Whitaker noted, “Two weeks ago, the surf was really good—if you didn’t have a job.”
From Florida’s Shores to California’s Waves
The team boasts members from across Florida, including local Jacksonville-area surfers and students from places like Pompano Beach, Orlando, and the Panhandle. Graduate student and longboarder Chaz Guernsey, originally from the small Panhandle town of Freeport, described the challenge of training on Gulf waters that rarely produce surfable waves.
UNF’s proximity to the Atlantic—just an eight-mile drive from campus—gives it an advantage over other Florida universities, whose students face hour-long trips to the ocean. This accessibility helps attract top surfing talent throughout the state, fostering a competitive yet close-knit team.
Facing National Powerhouses
While some well-known universities maintain successful surf clubs, many top collegiate surfers hail from smaller schools. Dominating the field are California programs like Point Loma Nazarene, a powerhouse with eight national titles. In recent years, UNF has faced stiff competition from regional rivals such as UNC Wilmington and Flagler College, as well as from California’s elite teams.
Last year, California schools swept the top five team spots at nationals, with UNF placing 12th. The ocean’s home advantage is undeniable, but UNF’s surfers remain optimistic.
“If the California surfers came here and tried to compete with us in Florida waters, it would be a different story,” Klein said.
The Ospreys have also achieved individual success, with several surfers capturing national titles in recent years, including Corey Howell, Blake Speir, Emily Ruppert, and Pat Nichols.
Inspired by Florida legends like Kelly Slater, the 11-time world champion from Cocoa Beach, and Caroline Marks, the recent Olympic gold medalist from Melbourne Beach, the team aims to carry on their legacy.
Preparing for the West Coast Challenge
Arriving in California days before competition is part of the team’s strategy, allowing surfers to acclimate to Pacific Ocean conditions that differ markedly from their usual Atlantic experience. The waves are not necessarily bigger, but their power, shape, and colder temperatures demand adjustment.
“We don’t get much chance to figure out the right board for those waves,” Whitaker said. “It’s all about getting used to the conditions and our equipment.”
Though a flat Friday in Jacksonville may not capture the intensity of competition ahead, the UNF Surf Team’s determination to keep its surfing tradition alive remains strong.
“We love the sport,” Whitaker said. “Hopefully, this attention helps grow both the team and the lifestyle.”