Massachusetts, USA

Country/State Data

Regions

1

Breaks

21

Coastline

309 KM

Cost of living

Current Time

Security

Health

families beginners
Positives
  • Wide swell window
  • Cape Cod swell magnet
  • Some reefs and points
  • Island options
Negatives
  • Few quality set-ups
  • Mainly beachbreaks
  • High tide fatness
  • Pollution and access issues

Where to surf in Massachusetts, USA

North of Boston appears to be well set up, with potential reefs and points everywhere, but they never seem to deliver the quality waves that this coastline suggests. There are a few fickle secret spots, tucked away, while places like Deveraux attract a dedicated crowd.

South of Boston, the beachbreaks of Hull and the breaks around Scituate offer a haven for the city surfers. Cape Cod is a bit of a weird one; it’s one big crescent of sand, producing shifting beachbreaks of variable quality. These hard-breaking, sand bottom waves can reach epic size, by East Coast standards, way out to sea, in an area that is regularly blighted by thick ocean fog.

Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket

The islands of Massachusetts – Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket – are the state’s real gems, with wide swell windows and few surfers, but access and localism are apparent problems.

Surf spots in Massachusetts, USA

Research the 21 surf breaks in Massachusetts, USA and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 21 breaks in Massachusetts, USA.

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Massachusetts, USA

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Travel Information

General
Current Time
Tourists
24,2000,000
Population
6,893,000
Tourist Info
Tourist Info

Security

Health

Money
Currency
USD

Cost of living

Communication
Language
English
Electricity
Plug Type
a
b
Visas

Due to Covid there are special restrictions so it is essential to check the latest news before booking any trip. Normally most Europeans, Aussies, Kiwis and Japanese are part of the Visa waiver program so do not need a visa to enter the USA for up to 90 days, but they do need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which costs US$14. Other nationalities need to check as the rules are constantly being adjusted.

Getting There

Boston is a big airport hub for national and international flights and is a 5hr drive from NYC.

Getting Around

You could surf Boston on public transport but getting around to Cape Cod will require a car.

Accommodation

It's expensive to rent places out on Cape Cod, but there are plenty of State Parks and Recreation Areas to camp near the coast.

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

Boston has all the big city action you could wish for. Visit the islands and eat some quality seafood.

Hazards & hassles

Mass has some coastal access issues and there are a few resident only beaches, but most surf spots are public access. The Cape Cod sea fog is legendary for its sudden appearance and impenatrable thickness. There have been 6 shark attacks in Mass - the highest New England number.

Handy Hints

Check Martha's or Nantucket on a hurricane swell!

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.

Travel Gallery
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Surf Culture

History

As with Rhode Island to the south, surfing was huge around Boston in the 1960s. The seawall at Nantasket Beach bristled with new boards, even though half the Hobies, Hansons, and Webers didn’t get wet and were just there to score points on the poseur index. Many’s the board that was used once before the owner realized that a plank on the loose in the whitewater could deliver a good whack; a lot of these early fiberglass boards were consigned to the garage.

Four Massachusetts shops (the big Cal names plus a Challenger East shop) lasted until the shortboard rang the death nell for the longboard scene. A handful of guys (Buddy Horsely, Stevie Wall, Billie Graham [not the evangelist], Mike McFarlane, and a few others) longboarded through the metamorphosis of the ’70s. Then the mid ’80s saw a shop called the California Surf Company go down the fashion road until Cory Wells opened Hard Corps in 1989, which was the center of the Boston/Nantasket scene until it closed in 2001.

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