The Surf Window

York Beach

Maine, USA

Beach breakBeginner

Maine's most accessible surf beach, York is the southernmost of Maine's coastal towns, where northeast swells wrap around Cape Neddick and deliver clean, consistent beach break to a beautiful New England village.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–SE 1–2m at 10–14s

Wind

SW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Nov

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand and rock

Shape

Beach peaks with lefts and rights near the Short Sands area

Length

50–80m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent beach break with New England character, fun rather than powerful

Hazards

  • •Rocks at the ends of both beaches
  • •Cold water, Maine water is cold even in summer (15°C max)
  • •Seaweed can be thick in the water

Local Tips

  • •Short Sands and Long Sands are two separate beaches, Short Sands is more protected, Long Sands is more exposed
  • •Nubble Lighthouse just north of town is one of the most photographed lighthouses in America
  • •Maine lobster is mandatory, many restaurants right on Long Sands Beach

Location

Map showing the location of York Beach in Maine, USA

43.1717, -70.6089