Flies 1

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Wave, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean, Swell
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Flies 1 is an exposed beach/jetty break at the eastern mouth of Shinnecock Inlet in Southampton, producing consistent surf that shapes a long, right-hand line off the eastern jetty. The most dependable period is typically during autumn through winter, with the spot described as working best from September through March when the relevant swell arrives. Surf quality is closely tied to wind: northwest winds are the preferred offshore direction for cleaner grooming and more usable faces. In contrast, south winds can bring heavier chop, and the spot can also become challenging on swells that are too direct from the south. Descriptions emphasize that when the waves are breaking over sand and running mostly right, the break can be a good option for practicing on the righthand beachbreak. Conditions around the inlet are the primary safety concern. Multiple sources highlight strong currents (including rip currents and fast tidal flow) near Shinnecock Inlet, plus hazards like jetty rocks to the west, submerged debris near the inlet, vessel traffic, and the possibility of sharks. The area can also be busy, so staying aware of other water users and maintaining a clear line away from the active boat channel are important. Access is via Shinnecock East County Park, and a Green Key permit is required for parking. Seasonal gear planning matters: winter conditions call for a proper winter wetsuit (including neoprene hood, gloves, and boots) given winter water temperatures around the single digits °C.

  • Long right-hand line off the eastern Shinnecock Inlet jetty
  • Northwest offshore winds favor clean conditions
  • Most consistent in autumn and winter (September through March)
Great for
Surfing longboardSurfing shortboardKitesurfing waveKitesurfing foilWingfoil downwind
What's great
  • Consistent surf with a long right-hand on the eastern jetty
  • Best conditions often come from northwest offshore winds
  • Works reliably across a broad winter/swell window (September through March)
Heads up
  • Strong currents and rip/tidal flow near the inlet can be dangerous, especially for beginners
  • Jetty/near-inlet obstacles (rocks and submerged debris)
  • Can get quite busy in the water
  • Vessel traffic in the nearby inlet
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW, N
Offshore directions
NW, N
Wind Range
10–25 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Frontal-system influence with summer sea-breeze influence in the wider Southampton area; at the spot, northwest winds are best for surf grooming.
Reliability
fair
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
September, October, November, December, January, February, March
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean, Swell
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Medium
Chop Level
Moderate chop — South winds can create heavy chop.
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach area within Shinnecock East County Park

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
4–22 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 6/5mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodApr–Nov: 4/3mmJun–Sep: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Highest in summer and during prime autumn hurricane swells; winter can still be busy in the water.

Storm/Rain Season

Hurricane season from August to November often brings the best swells.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Possible but challenging due to proximity to the inlet and strong currents; most practice tends to be away from the main surf peak.

WaveFoil
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Open-ocean swell can be good for foil riding, but shorebreak and currents near the jetty make launching tricky.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A right-hand beach/jetty break at the eastern mouth of Shinnecock Inlet, shaped by the jetty. Works best with northwest offshore winds and south–southeast swells.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
SSE, S, SW, SSE, SE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Northwest winds are best offshore, producing cleaner grooming; south winds can create heavy chop.
Bigger Swell
Can hold significant size; may close out if the swell is too direct from the south.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Powerful — Some sources describe it as powerful; other descriptions characterize the power as moderate.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Reported to offer fast, wally sections; depending on sandbar formation, ride length can be substantial.
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
Fast, wally sections that peel well; reported to be around 50–100 meters depending on sandbar formation.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Flies 1 in the full forecast view.

Flies 1 wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–12 ktsGusts 19 kts
Direction
WNW292°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 2712 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.3–0.7 m7s period
Temperature
7–19 °C

Over the next 7 days, Flies 1 is forecast for daytime winds of 3–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.3–0.7 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Strong rip currents and tidal flow near the Shinnecock Inlet
  • Strong currents due to the inlet, which can be dangerous for beginners
  • Jetty rocks to the west
  • Submerged debris near the inlet
  • Heavy crowds
  • Vessel traffic in the nearby inlet
  • Sharks
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitHoodBootsGlovesLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
Nearest facilities are in Southampton or Hampton Bays; dial 911 in an emergency.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate

Rules of the spot

Respect local surf etiquette; stay clear of the active boat channel in the inlet.

Restrictions
  • Green Key permit required for parking at Shinnecock East County Park
  • Seasonal parking restrictions
  • 4x4 beach driving permit required for certain areas
Local Tips
  • Flys is most consistent during the winter months.
  • Early mornings often have the lightest winds before the sea breeze kicks in.
  • Be mindful of the tide as the current near the inlet intensifies during the ebb.
  • Waves are best when breaking over sand and mostly going right, which can help practice.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
New York City
Nearest Town
Town of Southampton
Parking
Parking at the county park; Green Key permit required and available at the park entrance. Fees/permits may apply seasonally.
Public Transport
Accessible via regional rail and bus services from Manhattan (LIRR and Hampton Jitney referenced for the wider area).
Access
Park at Shinnecock East County Park (Green Key permit required); access via Dune Road.
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Accommodation
Nearby town — Vacation rentals in Southampton and Hampton Bays; limited camping at the county park for self-contained vehicles.
Food & Drink
Various restaurants and cafes located a short drive away in Hampton Bays.
Equipment Rental:
Local surf shops in Hampton Bays and Southampton provide rentals (equipment rental available in the wider area).
Gear Storage
Limited seasonal storage available at local surf clubs and specialized regional sport shops.
Gear Repair
Board repairs available through surf shops in the surrounding Hampton Bays area.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Flies 1?

The best overall months at Flies 1 are September, October, November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Flies 1?

Flies 1 works with NW, N winds. Offshore directions are NW, N.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Flies 1?

Recommended equipment sizes at Flies 1: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.

What skill level is Flies 1 suitable for?

Flies 1 suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.