Rockaway Beach
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.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (165°)
- Direction range
- 135° - 195°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (345°)
- Offshore range
- 305° - 25°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.3m
Water temp
15°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
9/10
Access: Subway accessible (A train). Only surf beach in NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Rockaway Beach?
Rockaway Beach is a beach break in Queens, USA, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Rockaway Beach?
Rockaway Beach picks up swell from the SE round to the SSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSE. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.5 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Rockaway Beach?
A NNW wind is dead offshore at Rockaway Beach, and anything from the NW round to the NNE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Rockaway Beach?
Rockaway Beach is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.3m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Rockaway Beach?
The most reliable run of swell at Rockaway Beach comes Sep to Apr. There's a second window in Aug too. Best in fall hurricane season.
How cold is the water at Rockaway Beach?
The water at Rockaway Beach averages around 15°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Rockaway Beach good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. It gets busy (crowd 9/10), so mind the pecking order. Very crowded. Multiple breaks along beach.
How do I get to Rockaway Beach?
The nearest airport on our list is JFK, then it's roughly a 25-minute drive. Subway accessible (A train). Only surf beach in NYC.
What other surf spots are near Rockaway Beach?
The closest breaks we track are Long Beach NY (13 km), Lido Beach (17 km) and Asbury Park (43 km), handy when Rockaway Beach isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Secondary: Aug
Best in fall hurricane season.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Long Beach NY
🚃 NYC accessible • Train to waves • Urban surf
Lido Beach
Long Island bowls | Hurricane-season peaks | NYC-accessible
Asbury Park
🎸 Springsteen's shore • Rock and roll boardwalk • Jersey beach break
Manasquan Inlet
🏆 Jersey's best • Inlet-enhanced power • Dedicated local crew
Jenkinsons
Jersey Shore peaks | Nor'easter bowls | Bodyboard-friendly
Long Beach Island
🏝️ 18-mile barrier island • Endless peaks • Jersey Shore tradition