National Boulevard / New York / United States

There are some surprisingly big waves here at certain times, and it’s a place for experienced surfers who want to be out somewhere without the crowds. 

The beach is at the end of National Boulevard (well, where else would it be?) and as you’d expect it’s large and sandy.  You’ll need a thick wetsuit in winter as temperatures drop to the low teens, but if you’re here in the fall a normal wetsuit will do.

Good winds here blow in from the north, northwest or northeast and the swell works when rolling in from the southwest, south or southeast.  It starts working at less than 1m, but it get surprisingly big and can even reach over 4m on a good day, especially in fall and winter when the wind and swell combine best.  It work at both mid and high tide, and it’s best on a rising tide.  The waves break to the left on a jetty, and are fast and powerful but plenty of fun to ride.  Length is ok most of the time, averaging over 100m, but a big day will give anything up 250m or so.  In summer, it’s so crowded you’ll barely move but fall and winter are better conditions with much more room, as the beaches are closed and the lifeguards have gone home.

There are showers on the beach and there is a decent surf shop within a few minutes’ walk.  Everything you might want can be found pretty close by, actually, including food and accommodation.  Parking is easy enough on the nearby streets, you won’t need to walk for more than 5 minutes to hit the beach.

You need to be aware of the rips here, which can get strong in winter, and the submerged rocks.  Locals also don’t like visitors if they bring an attitude.