surf
spots

new hampshire – the best-kept secret in surf

"You can surf in New Hampshire? Seriously, I didn't even know you guys had a seacoast."

These are some of the many misconceptions about New Hampshire's surf. New Hampshire does have the shortest coastline of any State with a mere 17 miles. However, it's home to some of New England's premier breaks!

Because relatively few know about New Hampshire's surf scene, the coast remains relatively uncrowded and you can still surf waves by yourself. It's a hidden gem and the breaks are abounding if you're willing to do a little exploration.

With predominantly sand bottom beaches and mellow surf in the summer months, New Hampshire is the perfect place to learn. For more advanced surfers, keep a close eye on our cams and surf reports! When we get swell, local breaks offer everything from long left and right point breaks to barreling beach breaks, and playground waves perfect for dialing in more technical maneuvers. Come down and see what we have to offer. You will not be disappointed!

Here is a breakdown of some of the best surf breaks along New Hampshire's coastline. There are plenty of other lesser-known spots we don't mention below, but we don't want to take the fun out of exploring. Go find your own perfect wave!

jenness beach

This beach break is suitable for beginners and experienced surfers alike. With parking right in front of the beach, it is one of New Hampshire's most popular spots. The beach is visible from the road and there are almost always people in the line-up, but with a full mile of beach you can always find a peak to yourself.

Skill Level: For everyone
Wave Type: Beach Break
Best Swell Direction: ESE
Best Wind Direction: NW to W
Best Tide: Mid - High
Surfable Break Size: All sizes
Bottom Type: Sand
Hazards: None
Localism: None
Directions & Parking: Directly in front of Summer Sessions South, 4 miles north of the Wall on 1A. Metered and free road parking.

pirates cove beach

Beach Weather
This beach has some fun waves and is often less crowded than other local breaks. It is a great place to learn but can also wall-up on low tide.

Skill Level: For everyone
Wave Type: Beach Break
Best Swell Direction: ESE
Best Wind Direction: NW to W
Best Tide: Low - High
Surfable Break Size: Thigh
Bottom Type: Sand
Hazards: None
Localism: None
Directions & Parking: Directly across from Summer Sessions North on route 1A. Free parking on the street.

rye on the rocks

Beach Weather | Long-range forecast
This will be extremely crowded when the surf is good, but is one of the few breaks that can hold bigger swell. There is no sand and features an all-rock bottom, so only experts should ride this area. This is primarily a left break and can be great when there is some swell. It is a local spot though, so respect is a must!

Skill Level: intermediate - advanced
Wave Type: Rocky point break
Best Swell Direction: ESE
Best Wind Direction: W
Best Tide: Mid
Surfable Break Size: Waist
Bottom Type: Rock
Hazards: Rocks
Localism: some
Directions & Parking: 1 mile south of Jenness Beach. Free road parking

the wall (north beach)

Beach Weather | Long-range forecast
The Wall has a nice beach break that can accommodate bigger crowds. Still, it gets crowded, especially in the summer! Jenness beach is a nice alternative if the crowds are overwhelming in Hampton. It does not break at high tide, so make sure you check the tides before making the drive.

Skill Level: For Everyone
Wave Type: Beach Break
Best Swell Direction: ESE
Best Wind Direction: NW to WSW
Best Tide: Mid tide, rising or falling
Surfable Break Size: Knee and up. The Wall is usually a little bigger than many of the breaks in the area.
Bottom Type: Mostly sand and some rocks
Hazards: Rocks at High tide
Localism: None
Directions & Parking: On 1A. Metered (enforced in the summer) and plenty of it (though it does fill up).