Watch Hill / New York / United States

This is gorgeous spot for surfing, right in the heart of the National Seashore or, if you prefer, the High Dune Wilderness.  It’s suitable for everyone and frankly with scenery like this you can forgive it not having the best surfing in the area.

The beach is big and sandy and it’s usually pretty empty of surfers, with no more than a handful out at any one time.  Summers here tend to be a little cooler than on the mainland, but it’s still in the mid 20’s and you’ll be fine with a shorty wetsuit.

The wind comes in best from the northwest, while the swell is good from either the east or the northeast.  It starts working at about 1m and builds up to 2m, maybe 3 on the biggest days although these are pretty rare.  It is good at mid and high tide positions and works on both rising and falling tides, so you don’t need to rush out here to catch a ten minute window like some other spots.  It’s a beach break, both right and left, and the waves are pretty average with just enough speed and power to make it interesting, especially if you are a beginner.  Length is also about average, ranging between 50-150m and never really changing much regardless of the conditions. 

There are lifeguards patrolling the area in the summer season and there are a number of campsites dotted about the area, all of which offer showers, bathrooms and running water.  Access is best via the ferry from Patchogue.

There aren’t really any hazards here, unless you count the locals who tend to think of it as their spot.  They’re ok as long as you mind your own business, though.