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-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.
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 heavy, usually the heaviest around.
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
Inexperienced surfers and lessons 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?
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