Where to catch the best waves in New England
By Allie Herzog | Photos by Cate Brown
When you hear the phrase “surfers’ paradise,” visions of California or Hawaii probably come to mind. But for many lifelong East Coasters, New England is as close to heaven as it gets. It’s no secret the region is home to what are arguably some of the nicest beaches in the world, but true wave chasers know that it’s also where you’ll find some of the best year-round surfing spots. New England surfers are a hardy breed, braving frigid water to catch the best waves. Let your local surf shop guide you in purchasing the right gear, including wetsuits and hoods. Ready to hit the water? Here is our list of top spots in New England, starting with the state that has some of the biggest waves on the East Coast: Little Rhody.
RHODE ISLAND
This small state is big on year-round surf culture, and surfers flock here from New York and neighboring states to the north to chase big waves, especially during hurricane season.
NARRAGANSETT TOWN BEACH
One of the best-known spots on the East Coast, Narragansett Town Beach sits just beyond the famous Narragansett Towers and offers public parking and a long, beginner-friendly shoreline. In the summer, surf shops set up camp in the parking lot, offering lessons and board rentals, but be aware that it can get crowded fast. The locals surf here year-round—a hurricane or snowstorm only adds to the allure.
SACHUEST BEACH, MIDDLETOWN
Known to the locals as Second Beach, this public beach has plenty of surfable breaks. The best place to catch a wave is the aptly named Surfer’s End, which you’ll easily spot at the start of Second Beach, just around the bend from Purgatory Chasm. It has its own small parking lot and is a favorite spot for locals, but is far from hidden. Like all good surf spots, it tends to get crowded in season.
RUGGLES, NEWPORT
At the end of the street it’s named for, Ruggles is not a public beach, and in fact, surfers have to climb down rocks to get to the water. With its jagged coastline and big waves, this spot is best suited for locals and advanced riders. During hurricane season, Ruggles is the place where surf legends are made.
MASSACHUSETTS
The Cape and Islands have the most widely recognized surf spots in the state, but locals know that good waves can also be found on the South Shore and North Shore of Boston too.
MARCONI BEACH, WELLFLEET
This outer Cape delight is often less crowded than other popular Cape Cod surf spots, such as nearby Coast Guard Beach, while still providing consistent waves. Other reasons to come here include the beach’s large parking lot and magical sunsets. Unlike some New England spots that tend to have better surf in the fall and winter, Marconi has reliable summer surf, but with it comes the risk of the Cape’s most infamous
predator: the great white shark. Use caution and heed the warnings of lifeguards and surf reports!
CISCO BEACH, NANTUCKET
For those new to the sport, Cisco is a great starting point, with Nantucket Island Surf School offering lessons and rentals onsite. Depending on the season, this southside beach can get some big waves and, accordingly, gets pretty crowded in the summer months. Once you’ve got some
experience under your belt, stray a bit from the main beach to find your own break away from the masses.
SALISBURY BEACH
Located on the North Shore, this summertime destination can provide reliable surf conditions, especially in the late summer and early fall. It’s a good option for beginners and is easy to get to from Boston, unlike traveling out to the islands.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Though the Granite State has just 13 miles of coastline, it is home to some of the most epic breaks in New England. Just remember to suit up in the right cold-water gear!
NORTH BEACH, HAMPTON
Known as “The Wall,” this is one of the most reliable surf spots in the state, with nearly year-round surfable waves. With its long stretch of surf and longstanding reputation, it may be a bit intimidating for newbies, but thanks to the famous Cinnamon Rainbows surf shop located nearby, it can also be a great spot for lessons from one of their resident surf experts.
JENNESS STATE BEACH, RYE
This exposed beach break is a good summer surfing option for both beginner and advanced surfers. It’s less crowded than other New England
spots even in the summer and has reliable surf conditions, though rarely huge waves.
MAINE
Maine is known as the last frontier in New England surfing, and the water can be downright frigid, but stormy conditions and rumors of double overhead waves make it a great spot for seasoned surfers.
HIGGINS BEACH, SCARBOROUGH
Surfable year-round, this popular beach has some legendary waves in the winter. Surfing is prohibited during peak summer times, and parking is a challenge, so it’s best to surf this spot in the off-season, when you’ll find a steady stream of locals looking to catch that elusive 15-foot wave.
LONG SANDS BEACH, YORK
York is a popular beach town in the summer months and surfers are a big part of those crowds. Nicknamed Sloppy Joe’s, the conditions can sometimes be messy here, but with its long shoreline it’s a good spot for beginners. Like many Maine beaches, in the summer during peak hours surfing is restricted to just a small area. For this reason, experienced surfers may prefer to paddle out in the winter, when bigger swells roll in from the storms.
CONNECTICUT
Connecticut isn’t a huge surfing destination, as most seasoned CT surfers head to neighboring New York or Rhode Island to catch the big waves, but it still has a few spots worth noting for reliable local surf.
HAMMONASSET BEACH, MADISON
One of the largest beaches in the state, with picturesque white sands, there’s plenty of fun to be had here all summer long with consistent mellow swells. During the fall, more experienced surfers can find larger swells as hurricanes and storms brew along the coast.
SILVER SANDS STATE PARK, MILFORD
This pretty public beach is a great destination for a relaxing day of surf. The conditions tend to be mellow, but will suit beginners and others looking for an easily accessible beach in Connecticut.
VERMONT
We didn’t want to leave our sixth state out of the surf story, even though it doesn’t have a seacoast. The strong south winds and waves that regularly reach over four feet on Lake Champlain provide opportunities for some of the best inland windsurfing in the Northeast. Popular spots for the sport include White’s Beach in South Hero, while lessons and rentals are available at Burlington Surf Club, which has its own sandy beach.
One of the best parts of surfing on the East Coast? The sunrises. Avid surfers know that early-morning surf sessions not only mean fewer crowds but also offer the chance to watch the sun emerge from the horizon, which many surfers have described as a meditative experience. Ready to join them? Set that alarm, grab your wetsuit, and hit the waves.
