Cape Ann Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NE, SE
Wind
NW
Surf Height
Knee-high to double overhead.
Tide
Dead high tide brings backwash.
Cape Ann Surf Guide
This Gloucester enclave hosts one of the most powerful, most exposed beachbreaks in the state, Long Beach, where at lower tides plentiful sandbanks magnify any available swell. The southern corner of Cape Ann boasts a hollow left that breaks into exposed rocks at low tide. A little channel near the rocks helps with paddle-outs on big swells.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Chargers preferred, cruisers accepted, barneys denied.
Local Vibe
Doable
Mellow, maybe some territorial behavior on the good days.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
The colder the water, the more chill the lineup.
Spot Rating
Fun
Massachusetts is a beachbreak goldmine if you know where you’re going. You could do a lot worse than Cape Ann.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
You’ll take some gas when it’s good.
Water Quality
Clean
Gloucester beaches historically passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time.
Hazards
Sharks, hypothermia, rocks.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard
Access
Parking (legally) is limited, expensive and sketchy.
Bottom
Sand and rock.
Best Season
September-March
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