Rockaway Reviews and Ratings
(Long Island New York, USA)
- Forecast
- Maps
- Live
- Weather State
- Spot Information
Visitor reviews of Rockaway surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Dangerous area. Polluted water. Sharks.”
Kara from UNITED STATES - 28 Jul 2019
Rockaway Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 16 votes and 3 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.5(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 2.4(1: Rockaway is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 1.9(1: Rockaway is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Long Island New York. 5: the best break in Long Island New York). |
Difficulty Level: 2.5(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Rockaway can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 1.7(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Rockaway, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.2(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Rockaway are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.4(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 1.9(1: Often too crowded. 5: Rockaway is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 3.7(1: Getting to Rockaway requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 2.2(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 3.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.4(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Rockaway for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.3(1: Camping at Rockaway is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 2.3(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Rockaway is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 3.3(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 3.1(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Rockaway, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.3(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Rockaway where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Rockaway is New York City's surf spot. To get there from Manhattan all one has to do is hop on the Rockaway-bound A train and get off at 90th street or 98th st. if you want some quality tacos before paddling out(Rockaway Taco, 96th st).
Dont get too excited by the miles of potential beach break; the only decent breaks are in the vicinity of the rock jetties that range from 65th st. to 90th st. The main break is considered to be the 90 st. jetty. The lineup gets crowded in the summer and when its good in the fall. The surfshop, Boarders, is on 90th.
***Be aware of partially submerged wooden pilings within the breaks between 91 st. and 93 st. These old jagged pilings have been responsible for numerous mishaps.”
sean from UNITED STATES - 06 Dec 2010
“Rockaway is New York City's surf spot. To get there from Manhattan all one has to do is hop on the A train and get off at 90th street or 98th st. if you want some quality tacos before paddling out (Rockaway Taco, 96th st).
Once you arrive in this ghetto paradise, don't let the miles of beach break fool you; the only decent breaks are in the vicinity of the rock jetties that range from 65th st. to 90th st. The surf shop, Boarders, is on 90th. It gets crowded in the summer and when its good in the fall. Winter is good, but get the suit”
sean from UNITED STATES - 06 Dec 2010

