Ballston Beach / Massachusetts / United States

This is a beach with history – it has been known as a surfing beach since the 1960’s, and it continues to be popular. Epic waves with a good feel make it the place to go in New England.

Here you have a long, wide sandy beach that rivals anything in the state. Best make this a weekend trip. Head out of Truro, Massachusetts, on Highway 6 and turn down South Parnet road. Keep going until you hit the parking lot, then park and walk the 5-10 minutes to the shore.

This works best when the wind is coming from the east or northeast and it combines with the swell from the west or southwest. The swell only starts working at less than 1m, but rapidly builds and holds up to 4m and more. It is a sand bar break, both right and left, and the waves have a moderate power behind them. Even on a normal day the length will be anything up to 300m, and a good day with a big swell can see very long waves up to 450m or even 500m. It works best at mid tide, with the tide falling.

Truro is the nearest town with any real facilities, and is a popular break destination from Boston, two hours to the north. Attractions in Truro are mainly based around the bike paths, nature trails and beaches, though there are also some historic building such as the areas last remaining lighthouses.

There some rips here, and some rocks just under the surface. Locals like the spot, but they’ll be friendly if you are.