The Surf Window

Rockaway Beach

New York, USA

Beach breakBeginner

New York City's surf beach, Rockaway is a remarkable urban surfing environment in Queens, consistent beach break waves on the Atlantic edge of the city and a diverse, devoted surf community that navigates subway trains to their sessions.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)

Wind

W

Offshore

Tide

mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

September–October

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Moderate beach break, NYC's Atlantic exposure brings real swell but the sheltered geography softens the extremes

Length

20–60m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner
  • •Why: The most accessible surf beach in New York City, forgiving waves with multiple surf schools and rental options.

Hazards

  • •Cold water October–May (wetsuit required)
  • •Crowds in summer (the beach serves millions of NYC residents)
  • •Water quality can be affected by storm events

Local Tips

  • •Take the A train from Manhattan to Rockaway (90 minutes), one of surfing's great commuting adventures.
  • •Rockaway gained international attention after being devastated by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and rebuilding around its surf culture.

Location

Map showing the location of Rockaway Beach in New York, USA

40.5810, -73.8229