Overview
Old Orchard Beach, or OOB, is a southeast-facing sand-bottom beachbreak that owes most of its appeal to the OOB Pier. The pier shapes good lefts on its south side and a decent right on the north side, the right coming into its own during fall hurricanes, and it helps hold the sand in place so the bank occasionally gets classic. On its own it is an unremarkable beachbreak, but the pier lifts it into a worthwhile New England stop that rates as decent when swell, wind, and tide line up.
When It Works
Old Orchard draws swell from northeast through southeast (NE-SE), though northeast swells still struggle to get in past the coastline. It is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, breaking both left and right. The season runs through autumn and winter, roughly September through March.
Wind and Tide
Look for a west (W) offshore wind, since some west in the airflow is what cleans this beach up. It can work across low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call and a low incoming tide often the pick.
Local Tips
The lineup suits everyone from beginners to experts, and it handles anything from shortboards and fish to funboards and longboards. Expect a fairly quiet, slightly reserved lineup that gets busiest in summer. Keep in mind that summer surfing is closed from 10am to 5pm, though the restrictions near the pier are seldom enforced. Paddling out is mellow in summer but much tougher in winter, when freezing water and air call for full winter gear. After heavy rain, stormwater pipes can pollute the lineup.
Access
Restrooms, showers, and a lifeguard are on hand. Parking is at a car park with both free and paid options, but expect to pay in summer, when private parking runs about $5 a day.
