Surfing in Long Island - East
Surfing guide to Long Island - East, New York, New Jersey + New York, USA
Long Island - East has 11 surf spots . Go explore!
Overview of surfing in Long Island - East
Overview of surfing on Long Island
Long Island is one of the most important surf regions on the U.S. East Coast, with a long stretch of beaches along the ocean facing coastline, running from the beaches of Queens all the way to the wild dunes of Montauk. This massive barrier island receives powerful North Atlantic swells, strong hurricane-season energy, nor’easter-driven winter waves, and consistent wind swell throughout the year — making it far more wave-rich than non-locals ever realize. Covering over 1,400 square miles of land, Long Island is a significant part of America’s coastal geography and history.
Long Island’s surf identity is a unique blend of urban surf culture, historic fishing communities, world-class sandbars, rugged coastlines, and iconic beach towns. Each town is located along the stretch of Long Island, offering its own unique character and access to different surf experiences. From the high-performance peaks of Rockaway to the sand-barrel perfection of Long Beach, the scenic points of the Hamptons, and the heavy hurricane tubes of Montauk, the island offers waves for every level and style of surfer. The diverse population of Americans who surf and visit Long Island adds to its vibrant and inclusive surf scene.
Long Island is a popular spot for surfers, thanks to its ocean facing coastline that is exposed to consistent swells and a variety of wave conditions. The region is shaped by seasons. Summer brings warm water and mellow surf, perfect for beginners and longboarders. Autumn is prime time — hurricane swells, light offshore winds, crisp mornings, and the best barrels of the year. Winter is raw, cold, and powerful, where only the dedicated paddle out in 5/4 wetsuits. Spring is unpredictable, with everything from clean mornings to windy storm surf.
Long Island blends East Coast tradition, coastal lifestyle, strong surf communities, open beaches, cold-water grit, and world-class sandbank setups. It’s a place where you can surf alone at sunrise, grab a bagel still wearing a wetsuit, and score barrels while the rest of NYC sleeps, all on land that has played a key role in the broader culture and history of America.
Surf Regions on Long Island and the Atlantic Ocean
Long Island is a key part of the northeast surf corridor of the United States, offering a diverse range of breaks and consistent Atlantic swells.
Rockaway Beach (Queens)
Urban energy, consistent waves, surf schools, breakwaters, and a thriving surf scene connected directly to NYC.
Long Beach & Lido Beach
World-class sandbars, punchy peaks, fast walls, and one of the strongest surf communities on the East Coast.
Point Lookout & Jones Beach Region
Endless sandbars, fun summer rollers, and hurricane-season power on cleaner days.
Fire Island National Seashore
Remote dunes, long beaches, empty surf, and shifting sandbanks that get epic under hurricane swells.
Hampton Beaches (Southampton, East Hampton, Amagansett)
Scenic, powerful, long open beaches with strong swell exposure and beautiful coastal towns. Dune Road is home to several notable surf spots, including Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays, which features a jetty that helps shape the break and offers reliable waves when the sand banks align. Hampton Bays serves as a key access point to these eastern end surf locations, with Ponquogue Beach being especially popular for its accessibility, amenities, and consistent surf.
Montauk (The End)
The most iconic surf hub on Long Island, located at the eastern tip and end of Long Island. Montauk sits at the eastern end, where the shore meets powerful Atlantic swells. The region is famous for heavy hurricane barrels, long point-style waves, reefs, coves, and a classic East Coast surf community. The quality of the break at Montauk’s beaches is influenced by shifting sand banks and the presence of jetties, such as the one at nearby Ponquogue Beach. The Montauk Lighthouse serves as a landmark and access point for several surf spots, with Old Montauk Highway providing a scenic route to the area. Two surf spots, Turtle Cove and Camp Hero Beach, are located near the lighthouse—both are more secluded, with challenging conditions and natural features that appeal to experienced surfers. The East End offers a mix of town beach options and hidden gems, making Montauk a must-visit for anyone seeking the best surf at the end of Long Island.
Getting there
Getting There and Access
Fly into JFK or LaGuardia for Rockaway, Long Beach, and the western half of Long Island. For Montauk and the Hamptons, driving from NYC takes 2–3 hours depending on traffic. The proximity to the city makes planning a surf trip to Long Island convenient, with easy connections from Manhattan and other urban centers.
The large population of the New York metropolitan area makes Long Island’s surf spots easily accessible to millions.
Rail access: LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) reaches:
- Rockaway (via shuttle or bus)
- Long Beach
- Babylon
- Montauk
Car hire makes exploring the island easier, especially for accessing Fire Island, the Hamptons, and Montauk’s hidden corners. Note that beach access can sometimes require permits or involve long walks, particularly in the Hamptons and Fire Island.
Crowds
Rockaway: heavy crowds, especially in summer due to the high population density near NYC
Long Beach: extremely crowded on good swells
Lido: moderate
Jones Beach: moderate to light
Fire Island: light
Hamptons: light to moderate, depends on access (crowds thin during the off-season, especially from late summer through early spring)
Montauk: heavy when pumping but spreads out across many breaks
Locals surf year-round and appreciate etiquette and respect.
Lineup Lowdown
Long Island local surfers are dedicated and protective of their home breaks.
- Don’t snake
- Don’t paddle straight to the peak
- Respect seasonal local rules (especially in summer swim zones)
- Give space at point-style setups
- Keep the vibe friendly
Winter surfers respect each other deeply — surviving snow, ice, and wind builds a serious bond.
Surf seasons and when to go
The best time of the year to surf in Long Island - East
Surf Seasons and When to Go
Summer (Jun–Aug):
Warm water, small waves, great for longboards and beginners. Occasional tropical storm pulses. The summer months are popular for east Long Island surf, but can be crowded and subject to stricter regulations.
Autumn (Sept–Nov):
Golden season. Hurricane swells bring solid swells, with crisp offshore winds and warm water into October, creating world-class beach breaks. Swell direction is especially important during this time, as it determines which spots will fire.
Winter (Dec–Feb):
Heavy nor’easter surf, freezing temps, 5/4 wetsuits, gloves, and booties. The most powerful waves of the year. Tides and south swells can significantly influence wave quality, making it essential to check conditions before heading out.
Spring (Mar–May):
Windy but improving conditions. Mix of winter power and clean shoulder-season mornings.
Water Temperatures and Weather
Summer water: 20–23°C (typically becomes comfortable for surfing by mid June) Autumn water: 18–20°C Winter water: 3–6°C Spring water: 10–15°C
Winter demands full gear: 5/4 suit + boots + gloves + hood.
Can’t-Miss Surf Spots
Rockaway Beach (Queens)
NYC’s surf capital with accessible peaks, strong sandbars, surf schools, breakwalls, and a vibrant urban surf scene. Ideal for beginners in summer and high-performance shortboarding when hurricane swells roll through. Crowds are heavy but the vibe is energetic.
Long Beach
One of the best high-performance beach breaks on the entire East Coast. Long Beach delivers fast, hollow, world-class sandbar barrels during hurricane swells, offering some of the best waves on Long Island. In summer, the waves become soft and fun for learners. Locals are dedicated, and the town’s surf energy is strong. Ample parking areas make it easy for surfers to access the beach, which is a key convenience for visitors.
Lido West
A more mellow version of Long Beach but still capable of firing on long-period hurricane swells. Fun, rippable walls with less crowd pressure and clean sandbanks during offshore days.
Jones Beach
Endless sandbars and a massive coastline create constant options. Great for intermediates and longboarders on small days, but can produce powerful surf during storms. Easy access and room to spread out, with several parking areas that are essential for surfers looking for convenient entry to the beach.
Robert Moses State Park
Punchy, powerful beach breaks that handle hurricane energy extremely well. Long stretches of empty beach, shifting banks, and beautiful dune scenery. Advanced surfers score here in autumn. Well trodden paths from the parking areas lead directly to the sand, making access straightforward for surfers.
Fire Island
Accessible by ferry, Fire Island offers empty beaches, offshore winds, and powerful surf. Sandbars shift dramatically after storms, creating some of the most uncrowded waves in New York. Perfect for adventurous surfers seeking solitude. Well trodden paths connect the parking areas and ferry landings to the beach, ensuring easy access for visitors.
Southampton Beaches
Wide open sandbanks with scenic cliffs, consistent swell, and fewer crowds. Clean peaks on long-period swells make these ideal for intermediates and shortboarders.
East Hampton
A powerful, exposed surf zone with punchy peaks and beautiful water clarity. Great in autumn when offshore winds groom storm swells into long walls.
Amagansett
Fun, open beaches that produce playful surf most of the year. Great balance for longboards and funboards.
Ditch Plains (Montauk)
The most famous Montauk wave — a long, mellow, point-style wave ideal for longboarders, beginners, and fun cruisers. Scenic cliffs, a friendly vibe, and a super consistent setup make this one of Long Island’s most beloved breaks.
Terrace & Turtles (Montauk)
Punchier and more technical than Ditch Plains. Fast walls, steeper drops, and heavier sections during hurricane swells. Suitable for intermediates to advanced surfers.
Camp Hero (Montauk)
A more remote reef-style setup that can produce long, powerful walls. Access is limited and the wave is sensitive to wind and swell angle. When it fires, it’s one of the best advanced waves in the region.
Montauk Beach Breaks
Montauk is full of hidden sandbars that create hollow hurricane barrels and heavy winter surf. These breaks offer some of the best tube riding on the East Coast when everything aligns.
Long Island - East surf travel guide
Find trips that fit a flexible lifestyle
Learning to Surf on Long Island, New York
Best beginner locations:
- Rockaway (summer)
- Long Beach (summer + fall reform zones)
- Ditch Plains (year-round)
- Amagansett (smaller days)
- Jones Beach (small swell windows)
Lessons: AU$60–120
Rentals: AU$20–40/day
Safety and Etiquette
- Rip currents are common
- Winter hypothermia risk is real
- Don’t surf alone in winter storms
- Be mindful of protected swimming zones in summer
- Jellyfish can appear in late summer
- Reefs in Montauk require caution
- Respect localism — especially at advanced spots
Surf and Yoga Retreats
Primarily based in:
- Montauk
- Long Beach
- Rockaway
Retreats include yoga, surf coaching, wellness, coastal hikes, and seasonal surf camps.
Prices: AU$900–2,500/week.
Accommodation Options for Surfers
Rockaway: AU$120–300/night
Long Beach: AU$150–350/night
Hamptons: AU$180–600/night
Montauk: AU$200–500/night (much higher in summer)
Fire Island: AU$150–400/night
Camping is limited but available at certain Long Island state parks.
Comparison to Other Surf Destinations
Long Island vs New Jersey: Cleaner beaches, fewer jetties, more variety
Long Island vs Outer Banks: Less powerful but more consistent year-round
Long Island vs New England: Warmer, more accessible, friendlier for beginners
Long Island vs West Coast USA: Shorter waves but far more hurricane-driven barrels compared to the iconic surf culture and dramatic landscapes of the American West
Starting from the western end near New York City, Long Island is the perfect mix of accessibility, East Coast charm, and seasonal heavy surf.
Expenses (AUD)
Accommodation: AU$120–600/night
Meals: AU$10–25
Board rentals: AU$20–40/day
Lessons: AU$60–120
Car hire: AU$70–120/day
Cultural Notes
Long Island surf culture blends East Coast grit, artistic surf towns, New York energy, beach communities, and a strong year-round local crew. The proximity to the Big Apple infuses the surf scene with a unique blend of urban energy and diverse influences, making Long Island’s waves accessible to surfers just outside Manhattan.
- Bagels after dawn patrol are mandatory
Long Island’s surf scene also reflects the region’s broader diversity, shaped by generations of immigrants—including European immigrants—and the enduring presence of Native Americans.
- Locals surf in blizzards — respect it
- Montauk has a deeper surf identity than most outsiders realize
- People are welcoming, but etiquette is expected
Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi
Strong coverage across the island allows surfers to check the latest surf cam feeds before heading out.
Patchy in some Fire Island sections
Surf cafés in Rockaway + Montauk have fast Wi-Fi
Final Thoughts
Long Island is one of the most surprising, underrated, and diverse surf regions in the United States of America, and is part of one of the world’s most dynamic and varied surf areas. The United States is recognized as a world leader in surf culture and innovation, with Long Island playing a significant role in building this global reputation. As a key surf destination within the country, it’s a coastline shaped by seasons, storms, shifting sandbanks, passionate locals, warm summers, freezing winters, iconic fall barrels, and endless beach options.
From the urban surf pulse of Rockaway to the high-performance peaks of Long Beach, the scenic beaches of the Hamptons, and the heavy hurricane tubes of Montauk, Long Island delivers a surf experience that feels raw, authentic, and uniquely East Coast.
Whether you’re chasing autumn perfection, exploring empty dunes on Fire Island, surfing mellow longboard walls in Ditch Plains, or charging nor’easter swells in winter, Long Island is a surf destination with heart, character, and world-class potential.
A true cold-water paradise with NYC energy and Atlantic power, Long Island stands out for its unique contribution to the country’s surf culture. For further information about Long Island surf resources or official tourism sites, please visit the recommended links and local guides.
