Robert Moses State Park is located on the curved end of Fire Island and is known for being one of the more accessible surfing spots near New York City. It’s divided into four parking fields, making it easy to find a spot. There’s ample parking, and each lot has full facilities. The park tends to get crowded, especially on weekends, but it’s a solid choice for surfers looking to catch some waves without too much hassle.
The surf here picks up the most swell at the easternmost lot. The optimal swell direction is from the Southeast, but it also handles swells coming from the East and South. You can expect wave heights around 2 feet (0.6 meters) or more. The beach has a mix of left and right waves, with some decent shore breaks at mid tide. The middle lots can produce good, hollow sections when the swell is up, thanks to an outer sandbar. If you’re a beginner, this park can be a good place to learn, especially during low to mid tide conditions. Keep in mind that the western end typically has smaller waves as it faces south, but it can still line up well for lefts toward Democrat Point.
Surfing at Robert Moses State Park is best when the wind is coming from the Northwest. Although it can get crowded, the variety of waves and the facilities available make it a worthwhile trip for surfers of all levels. Just be prepared for some current, and know that conditions can change quickly.