West End at Jones Beach is a popular surf spot located on Long Island. Known for its sometimes unpredictable conditions, this area has a diverse surf scene. With a large parking lot, surfers will need to walk a bit to reach the water, but the effort is often worth it for those who know when to show up. The local vibe can swing from chill to intense, especially when the waves are pumping, so respect and awareness are key here.
The surf here can be quite fun when the conditions align. Ideal swells come from the East-Southeast to South-Southwest, and the spot can handle sizes ranging from 4ft to 10ft (1.2m to 3m). The best waves often peel right over a sandy bottom, making it suitable for shortboards, fish, longboards, and even bodyboards. For the best sessions, aim for low to mid-tide, especially with winds coming from the North or North-Northeast. While the surf is usually mellow, larger swells can be challenging and might require more experience.
West End is generally crowded only when the surf is good, but on average, it maintains a manageable crowd factor. September through March tends to be the prime season for surf, so that’s when you’ll want to pay extra attention. Do keep an eye out for shallow areas and rip currents that can catch surfers off guard.