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.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Get the full Rockaway Beach trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (165°)
- Direction range
- 135° - 195°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- 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
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Subway accessible (A train). Only surf beach in NYC.
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
🚂 LIRR accessible • Heavy local crew • NYC metro's best
Long Beach NY
🚃 NYC accessible • Train to waves • Urban surf
Lido Beach
Asbury Park
🎸 Springsteen's shore • Rock and roll boardwalk • Jersey beach break
Manasquan Inlet
🏆 Jersey's best • Inlet-enhanced power • Dedicated local crew