Surf Forecast  The Rocks

The Rocks surfspot characteristics

More about The Rocks surfspot

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.</br></br>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.</br></br>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.

Beginner to expert

Easy, but toughest in the summer months.

September through March

Crowd Factor: Light. Local Vibe: Mellow to moderate.

Pretty clean overall.

Shallow bottom, rip currents.