Surf: General: The Rocks is a rare bird that's never been very accessible. A large Coast Guard base has occupied the land here for years. The sweaty, buggy walk-in by the beach route or along the inlet takes a half-hour. A boat ride in takes about the same amount of time.

Surfing has never been officially permitted here, though, during some periods in the '60s, '70s and '80s, those sneaking in could surf relatively hassle-free. Though the Coast Guard maintains a presence, the bulk of the land had been turned over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is preserving the area as a wildlife refuge. The main concern seems to be protection of the nests of the endangered piping plover.

The beach is now heavily patrolled by the Coast Guard or private security; most surfers are immediately kicked out or worse. Hammerheads are sometimes spotted around the jetty at the inlet entrance. It's a little spooky to be sitting alone outside when your buddy takes a wave in. Tides: Mid-high generally best Size: Waist high-well overhead Wind: NW Swell: NE to SE Bottom: Sand Paddling: Mellow to moderate, depends on the swell. Spot Rating: On the right swell it can be fun. Access: Easy, but toughest in the summer months. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Light. Local Vibe: Mellow to moderate. Environment: Pretty clean overall. Hazards: Shallow bottom, rip currents. Season: September through March