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.
Rockaway Beach surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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 tide is best at Rockaway Beach?
The Rockaway Beach profile favors low to mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.3m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Rockaway Beach?
The Rockaway Beach profile uses wind from NNW (345°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 305° to 25°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Rockaway Beach?
The Rockaway Beach scoring profile favors swell from SSE (135° to 195°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 12s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
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?
The spot profile lists JFK as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 25 minutes. 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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