Hitherhills is located in Montauk, New York, a quiet fishing town that can get super crowded during the summer. From June to September, it turns into a tourist hub, filled with shops and city visitors. However, if you can handle the winter chill, you’ll find some of the most consistent waves on the East Coast. The area has a mix of beach, reef, and point breaks, which are worth exploring, especially when the crowds are gone.
This beachbreak works best with a southeast swell on an incoming tide, handling wave sizes from about 1 meter to 3 meters (3 feet to 10 feet). The optimal swell direction is from the southeast, but it can also pick up swells from the east and southwest. Waves can break both left and right, making it somewhat beginner-friendly, but you’ll want to watch out for the powerful conditions on bigger days. The best winds come from the northwest, and you should plan on paddling a bit more when the swells are big. Most of the time, the waves aren’t too bad, but they can get pretty good if the conditions line up just right.
Hitherhills is part of a state park, so it has full facilities, making it a pretty convenient place to surf, especially through the summer months. Keep in mind that the crowds can be moderate, but the local vibe remains friendly. You can ride various boards here, including shortboards, fish, funboards, longboards, and bodyboards. Always be aware of rip currents when hitting the waves, and enjoy the time you have in this unique spot!