Old Orchard Beach Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
E, ESE, SE
Wind
WSW to W
Surf Height
Waist high-couple feet overhead
Tide
Low, incoming
Old Orchard Beach Surf Guide
Southeast-facing Old Orchard Beach, or OOB, is not as punched up as nearby Scarboro or as big as Higgins Beach, and thus can be pretty bland in comparison. However, the OOB Pier makes this otherwise-nondescript beachbreak a worthy New England haunt, with its good lefts on the south side and a decent right on the north side (especially during fall hurricanes). Pine Point to the north doesn't go off unless there's a wind or groundswell over six-feet. It's the best place to check on a NE wind, when Higgins and Scarboro Park are huge and out of control.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Beginner to advanced.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Mellow.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Not bad but most crowded in the Summer.
Spot Rating
Fun
Can be fun with the right combination of swell, wind and tide.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Pretty mellow in the summer but much worse in the winter when cold water and air necessitate full winter gear.
Water Quality
Clean
Pretty good.
Hazards
Freezing water temps in Winter.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
It's there -- for a price. Private parking is $5/day in summer. Surfing restrictions near the pier are seldom enforced.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
September through March
Do you have local knowledge about Old Orchard Beach?
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