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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Return flights to JFK, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
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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
- 1.9m
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Rockaway Beach?
Rockaway Beach works best on a low to mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.3m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Rockaway Beach?
Offshore wind at Rockaway Beach blows from the NNW (345°). Anything in the 305° to 25° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Rockaway Beach?
Rockaway Beach wants SSE swell (135° to 195°) between 0.6m and 2.5m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Rockaway Beach?
The main season at Rockaway Beach is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. A secondary window runs Aug. Best in fall hurricane season.
How do I get to Rockaway Beach?
Fly into JFK, then allow about 25 minutes by road. Subway accessible (A train). Only surf beach in NYC.
What kind of wave is Rockaway Beach?
Rockaway Beach is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Secondary: Aug
Best in fall hurricane season.
Getting There
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