Overview
Nahant Beach is a long, curving stretch of sand that serves up average beachbreak and tends to draw more windsurfers and kiteboarders than surfers. The south end picks up some shelter from southerly winds. When a big swell fills in, Nahant Island usually hides the best wave of the bunch, while the north side of the harbor stays the most reliably surfed corner on northeast swells thanks to the protection it offers from south winds.
When It Works
The break takes swell from northeast through east, with northeast (NE) the direction that lines it up best. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft, breaking both left and right over a sandy bottom. Autumn is the season to watch, and the spot holds a swell consistently. That said, this is below-average beachbreak, and Massachusetts has better banks if you know where to look.
Wind and Tide
Look for west (W) offshore wind to clean things up. Nahant can work across low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call. Expect backwash at dead high.
Local Tips
The waves suit intermediate and expert surfers, and it takes a wide range of equipment, from shortboards, fish, and funboards to longboards and kiteboards. The lineup usually stays fairly quiet, with a neutral, easygoing vibe in the water.
Access
There is a car park with restrooms, showers, and a lifeguard on hand, and parking is easy. It is free in winter, with daily fees from May through November, $10 for state residents and $40 for out-of-staters.
