Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
Reef Road is a Florida anomaly—one of the only true reef breaks in a state dominated by beach breaks. When solid northeast swells hit Palm Beach County, Reef Road's limestone ledges create hollow, barreling right-handers that feel more Caribbean than Florida. The wave needs significant swell to break properly, making it an event surf spot rather than a daily driver. When it's on, the local crew descends quickly, and visitors should bring booties for the shallow reef. For Florida surfers seeking tube time without leaving the state, Reef Road delivers rare barrels.
🪸 Florida's reef break • Rare limestone barrels • Northeast swell magic
Works best with swells from 70° (ENE). Workable range: 45°-110°.
Ideal size: 2.0m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 280° (W). Offshore range: 250°-320°. Best window: morning.
Needs significant NE swell to break properly.
Shallow limestone reef. Booties recommended.
Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
New Smyrna Beach Inlet holds the dubious title of "Shark Bite Capital of the World"—a statistic that hasn't stopped generations of Florida surfers from making this their home break. The inlet-enhanced sandbars create consistent, user-friendly waves that work on minimal swell, making NSB one of Florida's most reliable surf zones. The sharks are plentiful but the bites are rarely serious, and most locals consider the risk just part of the Florida surfing experience. Beach driving is allowed with a permit, and the laid-back vibe makes NSB a quintessential East Coast surf town.
🦈 Shark bite capital • Consistent sandbars • Florida surf culture
Works best with swells from 75° (ENE). Workable range: 45°-120°.
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Needs at least 7s period. Ideal: 11s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 240°-310°. Best window: morning.
Hurricane swells and cold fronts provide best surf.
Shark bite capital of the world. Strong inlet currents.
Cocoa Beach Pier is where East Coast surfing was born and where Kelly Slater grew up perfecting the skills that would make him the greatest surfer of all time. The waves are rarely spectacular—mostly small, mushy peaks that teach you to generate speed from nothing—but the history and community make up for it. The pier creates sandbars that focus whatever swell arrives, and hurricane season can produce legitimately good surf. For anyone wanting to understand Florida surf culture or trace the roots of an 11-time world champion, Cocoa Beach is a pilgrimage.
🏆 Kelly Slater's home break • East Coast birthplace • Florida surf history
Hurricane season best. Home of Kelly Slater.
Jacksonville Beach Pier anchors Northeast Florida's surf scene—a consistent beach break that catches most swells pushing down the Atlantic seaboard. The pier creates sandbars that focus waves on otherwise flat stretches of beach, providing reliable peaks through hurricane season and winter cold front swells. Jax Beach has developed a strong surf community with local shapers, dedicated crews, and a competitive scene that punches above its weight for Florida. The water gets noticeably cooler than South Florida, and the waves can pack surprising punch when conditions align.
🌊 Northeast Florida's hub • Consistent pier break • Strong surf community
Ideal size: 1.5m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 240°-320°. Best window: morning.
Hurricane swells and winter cold fronts.
Wrightsville Beach is North Carolina's surfing epicenter—the most popular and accessible wave in a state blessed with quality beach breaks. The consistent sandbars create reliable peaks year-round, with hurricane season and winter low-pressure systems producing the best conditions. The Crystal Pier area focuses swell and creates organized lineups that support a thriving local scene. Wrightsville's proximity to Wilmington brings a college-town energy, and the surf community here has produced talented competitors and shapers who represent NC on the national stage.
🌀 NC's surf hub • Consistent sandbars • Crystal Pier quality
Works best with swells from 120° (ESE). Workable range: 80°-160°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 300° (WNW). Offshore range: 270°-340°. Best window: morning.
Hurricane season and winter low pressure systems.
Cape Hatteras occupies the most favorable position on the East Coast—a bend in the coastline where the Outer Banks jut into the Atlantic, intercepting swells that miss everywhere else. The iconic striped lighthouse stands watch over miles of sandbars that transform into powerful beach breaks when hurricanes track offshore or winter nor'easters sweep through. The remote location within Cape Hatteras National Seashore means fewer crowds and more empty peaks for those willing to make the drive. For serious East Coast surfers, Hatteras represents the closest thing to consistent, quality surf this side of the Caribbean.
🦓 The lighthouse • Prime swell window • East Coast's best position
Works best with swells from 130° (SE). Workable range: 90°-180°.
Ideal size: 2.1m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Needs at least 9s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 315° (NW). Offshore range: 280°-350°. Best window: morning.
Hurricane season epic. Winter brings consistent swell.
National Seashore. 4WD beach access available.
Jennette's Pier stands as the Outer Banks' surfing landmark—a modern concrete pier in Nags Head that creates reliable sandbars and serves as the region's forecasting hub with live webcams tracking every swell. The pier's position catches most Atlantic energy, from hurricane swells that create overhead barrels to winter cold front waves that keep the locals in the water year-round. The adjacent Jennette's facilities have become a gathering point for OBX surf culture, connecting visiting surfers with local knowledge and conditions updates.
📹 OBX landmark • Live webcam central • Consistent sandbars
Works best with swells from 90° (E). Workable range: 60°-140°.
Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Best during hurricane season and winter storms.
S-Turns is named for the serpentine curves in Highway 12 near Rodanthe—and for the winding tubes that form along this stretch when hurricane swells unload on the Outer Banks. This is one of the most consistent sections of the OBX, positioned to catch swells from multiple directions and offering empty peaks spread across miles of beach. The remote location means fewer crowds than the northern beaches, but also means commitment to the drive. When conditions align, S-Turns delivers some of the best waves on the East Coast, with powerful barrels and workable walls that reward the dedicated.
🛣️ Highway 12 curves • Remote OBX power • Hurricane season glory
Works best with swells from 100° (E). Workable range: 70°-150°.
Folly Beach Pier is South Carolina's surfing epicenter—the most recognized wave in a state that flies under the East Coast radar but delivers quality surf when conditions align. The pier creates sandbars that focus whatever swell arrives, from late-summer hurricane energy to winter cold fronts pushing down from the northeast. Charleston's proximity brings a unique surf culture that blends Southern hospitality with competitive lineups when it's firing. For anyone exploring East Coast surfing beyond the Florida-to-North-Carolina corridor, Folly Beach Pier proves South Carolina deserves its spot on the map.
🌴 Charleston's wave • Southern hospitality • SC surf culture
Works best with swells from 130° (SE). Workable range: 90°-170°.
The Washout earned its name from a section of road that eroded away years ago—and earned its reputation from the quality sandbars that formed in its wake. This local favorite sits at the east end of Folly Beach, away from the pier crowds, where dedicated Charleston surfers gather for dawn patrols and post-work sessions. The wave itself is typical East Coast beach break, but the tight-knit community and consistent sandbars make it feel like something more. Free parking and a less touristy vibe cement The Washout as the locals' choice on Folly.
💪 Local favorite • East end quality • Charleston crew
Hurricane season best. Named for eroded section.
Virginia Beach First Street has hosted the East Coast Surfing Championships since 1963, making it the longest-running surf contest in the country and a landmark in American surfing history. The wave itself is nothing special—mushy beach break peaks typical of the mid-Atlantic—but the event and the community it spawned transformed Virginia Beach into an East Coast surf hub. When hurricane swells arrive or nor'easters churn offshore, First Street can produce legitimate waves that remind everyone why they started surfing here in the first place.
🏅 ECSC since 1963 • Longest-running contest • Mid-Atlantic hub
Works best with swells from 80° (E). Workable range: 50°-130°.
Croatan Beach is where Virginia Beach locals go when they want waves without the resort-area crowds—a more exposed stretch that picks up larger swells and holds its form better than the tourist beaches. The residential setting keeps the vibe mellow, and the sandbars here can produce quality peaks when nor'easters or hurricane swells push through. While First Street gets the contests and attention, Croatan gets the actual best waves in the area, drawing a dedicated crew of regulars who prefer quality over convenience.
🏠 VB local's choice • Less crowded • Better sandbars
Works best with swells from 85° (E). Workable range: 55°-135°.
Manasquan Inlet is the gold standard of New Jersey surfing—an inlet-enhanced beach break that produces the Garden State's most consistent and powerful waves. The inlet jetty creates sandbars that transform ordinary Atlantic swells into legitimate overhead peaks, with fast, hollow sections that reward aggressive surfing. The local crew is notoriously protective and skilled, having earned their waves through decades of cold water dedication. When hurricane swells or nor'easters hit the Jersey Shore, Manasquan is where serious East Coast surfers want to be.
🏆 Jersey's best • Inlet-enhanced power • Dedicated local crew
Ideal size: 1.9m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs at least 9s period. Ideal: 13s+ (long-period groundswell).
Strong inlet currents. Respect the locals.
Asbury Park combines Jersey Shore surf culture with a rock-and-roll heritage that made the boardwalk famous long before Bruce Springsteen wrote songs about it. The beach break delivers typical New Jersey waves—punchy peaks that reward quick surfing when hurricane swells or nor'easters arrive. The revitalized town brings a creative, slightly edgy vibe that contrasts with the buttoned-up shore towns to the south. For surfers who want good waves and interesting après-surf options, Asbury Park delivers both.
🎸 Springsteen's shore • Rock and roll boardwalk • Jersey beach break
Works best with swells from 95° (E). Workable range: 65°-145°.
Long Beach Island is an 18-mile barrier island that offers countless peaks for surfers willing to explore—from jetty-enhanced breaks to open beach sandbars that shift with each storm. LBI has been a Jersey Shore surf destination for generations, with a loyal crew of regulars who know every sandbar nuance and surf it through winter in thick wetsuits. The family-friendly summer vibe transforms to empty beaches once September arrives, and the hurricane season delivers the best waves of the year. For surfers seeking options and room to spread out, LBI provides.
🏝️ 18-mile barrier island • Endless peaks • Jersey Shore tradition
Works best with swells from 105° (ESE). Workable range: 75°-155°.
Offshore wind from 285° (WNW). Offshore range: 255°-325°. Best window: morning.
Works in hurricane and nor'easter swells.
Multiple beach access points along island.
Ocean City NJ is the family-friendly face of Jersey Shore surfing—a "dry town" with a classic boardwalk where multiple jetty setups create consistent, accessible peaks for surfers of all levels. The wave quality won't blow any minds, but the reliability and forgiving nature make it perfect for learning or getting exercise between swells. The jetties focus whatever swell arrives, and the local surf shops have been outfitting riders for decades. For families balancing surf time with boardwalk obligations, Ocean City delivers on both fronts.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly shore • Jetty setups • Classic boardwalk vibes
Works best with swells from 110° (ESE). Workable range: 80°-160°.
Offshore wind from 290° (WNW). Offshore range: 260°-330°. Best window: morning.
Family beach town. Very crowded in summer.
Long Beach NY is the NYC metro area's most accessible quality surf—a south-facing beach on Long Island's barrier island that produces powerful waves and nurtures an intensely dedicated local crew. The Long Island Rail Road makes it possible to reach from Manhattan without a car, though summer beach passes add cost. When hurricane swells or winter storms light up the south-facing beach, Long Beach transforms into the best surf within an hour of 8 million people. The local hierarchy is real and respected, but visitors who show proper etiquette will find waves.
🚂 LIRR accessible • Heavy local crew • NYC metro's best
Works best with swells from 160° (SSE). Workable range: 130°-190°.
Offshore wind from 340° (NNW). Offshore range: 300°-20°. Best window: morning.
LIRR accessible. Beach pass required in summer.
Rockaway Beach holds the remarkable distinction of being the only surf spot accessible by New York City subway—take the A train to the end of the line and you're in the water. This Queens peninsula has transformed from a fading beach town into a thriving surf community, complete with taco stands, surf schools, and a diverse crowd that spans Wall Street bankers to Bed-Stuy locals. The waves are nothing special, but the accessibility and community make Rockaway essential to understanding that surfing exists even in America's largest city.
🚇 A train to the lineup • NYC's surf spot • Diverse Queens community
Works best with swells from 165° (SSE). Workable range: 135°-195°.
Offshore wind from 345° (NNW). Offshore range: 305°-25°. Best window: morning.
Very crowded. Multiple breaks along beach.
Subway accessible (A train). Only surf beach in NYC.
Montauk's Ditch Plains is the crown jewel of East Coast surfing—a south-facing beach at the tip of Long Island that catches more swell than anywhere else in the region. The position intercepts hurricane swells, nor'easters, and even wraparound energy from storms that miss everything else. The rocky bottom creates defined peaks with more punch than typical beach breaks, and the Montauk surf community takes their waves seriously. The two-hour drive from NYC weeds out casual day-trippers, leaving dedicated surfers who've made "The End" their home away from home.
👑 East Coast crown jewel • Catches everything • The End of Long Island
Works best with swells from 160° (SSE). Workable range: 120°-200°.
Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Best East Coast spot. Picks up most swells.
Narragansett Town Beach is Rhode Island's surfing hub—the Ocean State's most popular and accessible wave, where generations of New England surfers have earned their stripes in cold Atlantic water. The south-facing beach catches hurricane swells and nor'easter energy, producing quality peaks that can rival spots much further south when conditions align. The facilities, parking, and town beach vibe make it easy to access, though the crowd reflects the accessibility. For surfers based in Rhode Island or visiting the area, Narragansett provides the most consistent option.
🌊 Ocean State's surf hub • South-facing quality • Rhode Island tradition
Works best with swells from 165° (SSE). Workable range: 135°-200°.
Hurricane swells and winter nor'easters.
Town beach with facilities. Parking fee.
Nantasket Beach is Boston's go-to surf spot—the closest consistent wave to a city of millions, accessible from downtown in under an hour. The northeast-facing beach catches nor'easter swells that miss south-facing breaks, providing an alternative window when the rest of New England goes flat. The water is cold year-round, the crowd is dedicated, and the rocky areas demand awareness, but Nantasket delivers surf to a metropolitan area that has no business having a surf scene. For Bostonians who refuse to let geography dictate their stoke, Nantasket is home.
🦞 Boston's surf spot • Northeast-facing • Cold water dedication
Offshore wind from 250° (WSW). Offshore range: 220°-290°. Best window: morning.
Coast Guard Beach sits on Cape Cod's outer arm within the Cape Cod National Seashore—a powerful, exposed beach break that catches every swell moving through the region. The wave is consistent and often uncrowded, but the elephant in the water is the great white shark population that has returned to these waters in recent years. Seal colonies have brought the sharks back, and surfers must weigh the quality waves against the very real risk. For those comfortable with the situation, Coast Guard Beach offers some of New England's best surf in a dramatic, dune-backed setting.
🦈 Great white territory • Outer Cape power • National Seashore beauty
Works best with swells from 85° (E). Workable range: 55°-130°.
National Seashore. Summer shuttle required.
The Wall at Hampton Beach holds the unique distinction of being New Hampshire's only surf spot—the entire state has just 18 miles of coastline, and this is where the surf happens. The jetty creates sandbars that focus whatever swell arrives, from hurricane remnants to nor'easters, producing waves that punch well above their geographic weight. The local crew is tight-knit and has made the most of their limited coastline, surfing through brutal New England winters in conditions that would make most people stay home. For the novelty alone, The Wall is worth a session.
🏔️ NH's only surf spot • 18 miles of coast • Granite State grit
NH's only 18 miles of coastline. Beach parking.
Lido Beach is a beach break in Long Island, USA.
Works best with swells from 180° (S). Workable range: 160°-200°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 2.4m.
Offshore wind from 330° (NNW). Offshore range: 300°-360°. Best window: morning.
Hurricane swells (Aug-Nov) produce best conditions. Nor'easters in winter.
Jenkinsons is a beach break in Point Pleasant Beach, USA.
Works best with swells from 120° (ESE). Workable range: 90°-150°.
Offshore wind from 300° (WNW). Offshore range: 270°-330°. Best window: morning.
Hurricane swells and nor'easters produce best conditions.