Our schedule also included a visit to Surfing the Blues, a surf contest held just steps from the music stage. Unfortunately, intermittent rain played havoc with our camera’s safety and we wound up missing some of the action.

I thought surfers and beach bunnies alike would appreciate a little more information about this cool wave-catching contest.

The first weekend of every April is a busy one in Jax Beach, as three sporting events are held in conjunction with the Blues Festival. These include Cycling the Blues, Running the Blues and Surfing the Blues. Each competition raises money for local charities, attracting athletes from across the country.

Surfing the Blues, presented by The Florida Surfing Association and Aqua East Surf Shop, kicks off at the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Beautiful beaches with tall waves draw top surfers, who compete for $5,000 in prizes while spectators soak up sun and sounds.

This year, nationally-ranked pro surfer Cody Thompson took first place in the Open Pro division (a $2,000 prize) after an exciting five-second tube ride.

Jacksonville Beach is popular with wave-riders throughout the year, contest or no contest. Wax up your boards and keep tabs on the Surf Report for up-to-date weather, local surf forecasts and pictures of the peaks.