Nantucket is an island beach-break setup off the coast of Massachusetts, where a string of sand bars comes alive through autumn and winter. Beyond the everyday peaks, the island throws up novelty surf now and then, from ridable ferry waves to the frozen "slurpee" waves that show up during hard winter cold snaps.
When It Works
The beach breaks draw swell from east through south to south-southwest (E-S-SSW), with south swell the best match. Peaks break both left and right over clean sand and are usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 2.7 m / 9 ft. Autumn and winter deliver the best swells and conditions, and the sand bars earn a decent rating when they line up. Expect strong rips during bigger ground swells.
Wind and Tide
Look for offshore wind from the north (N), with a workable wind window running from northwest through north to east-northeast (NW-N-ENE). It can work across low, mid, and high tide, though a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
There's room to spread out, with enough sand bars to suit shortboards, fish, funboards, and longboards, and waves that work for everyone from beginners to experts. Expect a busy lineup when it's on, and a local scene that can feel a little reserved.
Access
Beach-side parking and seasonal shuttles get you out to the sand bars.
