Which beaches have surfing?

Several beaches on Long Island are popular surfing destinations, particularly along the Atlantic Ocean. The best-known surf beaches include Ditch Plains Beach, Jones Beach State Park, Robert Moses State Park, Gilgo Beach, and other beaches near Montauk. Most public beaches allow surfing only in designated areas and during specific times of the year.

In Short

Long Island is one of the East Coast’s premier surfing destinations. Surfing is available at several Atlantic Ocean beaches, although designated surfing areas, seasonal restrictions, and daily operating rules vary by location.

Long Island Beaches That Allow Surfing

Beach	Location	Surfing Highlights
Ditch Plains Beach	Montauk, Suffolk County	Widely regarded as Long Island’s premier surf break with consistent waves and an internationally recognized surf culture.
Jones Beach State Park	Wantagh, Nassau County	Designated surfing areas provide good waves during favorable ocean conditions.
Robert Moses State Park	Fire Island, Suffolk County	Popular surf beach with designated surfing zones and consistent Atlantic swells.
Gilgo Beach	Town of Babylon, Suffolk County	Well-known among experienced local surfers for quality breaks.
Hither Hills State Park	Montauk, Suffolk County	Produces surfable waves when ocean conditions are favorable.
Smith Point County Park	Shirley, Suffolk County	Popular South Shore surfing destination with designated surfing areas.
Cupsogue Beach County Park	Westhampton, Suffolk County	Surfing opportunities are available when conditions and park regulations permit.
Main Beach	East Hampton, Suffolk County	Seasonal surfing is permitted in designated areas outside swimming zones.

Where Is the Best Surfing on Long Island?

Montauk, particularly Ditch Plains Beach, is generally considered Long Island’s top surfing destination. The area receives consistent Atlantic swells throughout much of the year and attracts everyone from beginners to professional surfers. Its reputation has made Montauk one of the best-known surf destinations on the East Coast.

When Can You Surf?

Surfing regulations vary by beach. During the busy summer season, many beaches separate surfers from swimmers by establishing designated surfing areas or limiting surfing to certain hours. During the fall, winter, and spring, surfing opportunities are often less restricted because there are fewer swimmers.

Ocean conditions also play a major role. Wave height, wind direction, tides, storms, rip currents, and weather can dramatically affect both surf quality and safety.

Surfing Safety

• Surf only in designated surfing areas.
• Stay clear of swimming beaches and lifeguarded bathing areas.
• Check surf, weather, and rip current forecasts before entering the water.
• Wear an appropriate leash and safety equipment.
• Respect local surfers and established surfing etiquette.
• Never surf during lightning or hazardous ocean conditions.

Quick Facts

Question	Answer
What is Long Island’s best-known surf beach?	Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk.
Can you surf at every beach?	No. Surfing is generally limited to designated beaches or designated surfing areas.
When is surfing allowed?	Rules vary by beach and season. Many beaches have additional restrictions during the busy summer months.
Do surfers share the water with swimmers?	Usually not. Most beaches separate surfing and swimming areas for safety.
Which coastline has the best surfing?	The Atlantic Ocean shoreline on Long Island’s South Shore and East End.
Is Long Island good for beginner surfers?	Yes. Several beaches offer manageable conditions on calmer days, although conditions change frequently.

If you’re planning to surf on Long Island, you may also want to explore the best beaches on Long Island, learn which beaches have lifeguards, find out which beaches have free parking, or discover when Long Island beaches are open and closed.