Surfing in New York: Spots & Seasons
Published July 24, 2026SurfSpotGuide Editorial
New York City surfers catch the A train to Rockaway Beach. Long Islanders pull out their boards at Long Beach and Montauk. New York has a real, year-round surf culture — cold in winter, pumping in fall, and more accessible from a major city than almost anywhere in the world. Here is how to find the waves.
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New York Surf Regions
Long Beach (Nassau County)
Best for BeginnersBest beginner surf on Long Island
Long Beach is the surf capital of New York State. A 45-minute LIRR train ride from Penn Station makes it one of the most accessible surf beaches in the world from a major city. The surf community here is tight-knit, the schools are excellent, and the beach break delivers year-round.
Key spots
Rockaway Beach, Queens
Beginner–IntermediateThe only urban surf beach in NYC — subway accessible
Rockaway is culturally significant — the only surfable beach in New York City, accessible by subway. After Hurricane Sandy devastated the peninsula in 2012, the community rebuilt with surf culture as a centerpiece. The waves are not the most consistent on Long Island, but the accessibility is unmatched.
Key spots
Jones Beach
IntermediateState park with consistent beach break
Jones Beach State Park is one of the great urban beaches of the world — 6 miles of Atlantic beach within 30 miles of Manhattan. The surf is consistent beach break that works well in NE swells. Requires a car (or the summer LIRR bus connection).
Key spots
Montauk
Intermediate–AdvancedLong Island's best waves — at the very tip
Montauk is where New York surfing gets serious. Two hours from the city (3-4 hours in Hamptons traffic), Ditch Plains is arguably the best wave in New York State — consistent, long-period swell, and a dedicated local community. The Hamptons positioning means it attracts a more affluent surf crowd, but the waves are genuinely excellent.
Key spots
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August)
New York's flattest season. Warm water and crowded beaches. Good for lessons and fundamentals. Occasional hurricane swells fire from tropical systems — follow the forecast.
Fall (September–November)
New York's best surf season. The surf community comes alive. Hurricane swells from the south, nor'easters from the north — consistent, quality waves. The water is still warm enough for a 3/2mm in September.
Winter (December–February)
Powerful winter surf for committed cold-water surfers. Water drops to 38–42°F — among the coldest surfing conditions in the continental US. A 5/4mm wetsuit with booties, gloves, and a hood is non-negotiable. The uncrowded lineup is the reward.
Spring (March–May)
Underrated season. NE swells deliver consistent surf, the beaches are empty, and the water is slowly warming. A 4/3mm wetsuit is necessary but conditions improve weekly through May.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you surf in New York?
Yes — from Rockaway Beach (accessible by NYC subway) to Montauk at the tip of Long Island. Long Beach is the best beginner destination with the most surf schools.
What is the best time to surf in New York?
Fall (September–November) — hurricane swells, warm water, active surf community. Spring is second-best. Summer is warm but mostly flat.
Where is the best place to surf in New York for beginners?
Long Beach (Nassau County) — consistent beach break, multiple surf schools, 45 minutes from Manhattan by train.
What wetsuit do I need for New York?
Summer: none. Fall: 3/2mm. Winter: 5/4mm + booties + gloves + hood (water 38–42°F). Spring: 4/3mm.
Find Lessons by City
Book a Surf Lesson in New York
Find certified surf schools at Long Beach, Rockaway, and Montauk.
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// Free Surf Guide
Before your first wave, read this.
Get the free Beginner's Surf Guide — wave basics, a gear checklist, what to expect at your first lesson, and the etiquette every beginner needs. Straight to your inbox.
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