Surf: Probably the most powerful beachbreak in northern Massachusetts, Long Beach consistently attracts the maximum available swell and magnifies it onto the low tide sandbanks. The southern corner has a hollow left breaking into the rocks, which is less likely to close-out than the rest of the beach. Environment: The most crowded spot in the Cape Anne area, which isn’t saying much. Parking is sketchy. Surf: General: This Gloucester enclave hosts one of the most powerful, most exposed beachbreaks in the state, Long Beach, where at lower tides plentiful sandbanks magnify any available swell. The southern corner of Cape Ann boasts a hollow left that breaks into exposed rocks at low tide. A little channel near the rocks helps with paddle-outs on big swells. Tides: Dead high tide brings backwash. Size: Knee-high to double overhead. Wind: NW Swell: NE, SE Bottom: Sand and rock. Paddling: You’ll take some gas when it’s good. Spot Rating: Massachusetts is a beachbreak goldmine if you know where you’re going. You could do a lot worse than Cape Ann. Access: Parking (legally) is limited, expensive and sketchy. Crowds: Crowd Factor: The colder the water, the more chill the lineup. Local Vibe: Mellow, maybe some territorial behavior on the good days. Environment: Gloucester beaches historically passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time. Hazards: Sharks, hypothermia, rocks. Season: September-March