Rockaways Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SE, ESE, E.
Wind
NW to N, but can handle WNW better than other spots nearby.
Surf Height
Waist high to well overhead.
Tide
Low-mid generally best.
Rockaways Surf Guide
Being the closest consistently surfable spot to New York City, Rockaway is the most popular day trip for city surfers. The beach is easily accessible by the city train system. The west-end towns of Breezy Point and Bell Harbor are nice areas with excellent surf. The Ramones hitched a ride to 92nd Street in the '70s, and it remains the most popular spot in Rockaway. A long jetty creates a hollow takeoff, followed by fast, grinding lefts walls. Once the poster child for polluted lineups, legislation over the last couple decades has cleaned things up dramatically. But it's still New York, so, for heaven's sake, be careful.
LINEUP TIPS:
Etiquette | Surf Safety Basics
Ability Level
All Abilities
Any and all, from newbies to rippers.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Mellow to moderate on most days but can get heavy on good swells.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Can be intense.
Spot Rating
Fun
Good lefts are frequent, can be really fun.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Mostly mellow, but can be tough on big days - hop in the rip current next to the groin.
Water Quality
Clean
Fairly clean even with the close proximity to the Hudson.
Hazards
Errant boards are the main hazard.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard, Bodyboard
Access
Easy with street parking and subway stations nearby.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
September through March.
Do you have local knowledge about Rockaways?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]