Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Chop, Ocean
Spot Type
10–25 kts
Wind Range

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Green Harbor (Marshfield) is a sheltered beach/jetty surf spot that tends to work only once in a while, so wave quality can be highly condition-dependent. The setup centers on the jetty at the end of Beach Street, where the break is shaped by sandbars and typically prefers mid tide. Wind-wise, northeast wind is referenced as the best direction by one spot guide, but another description highlights offshore winds from the West or Northwest as the winds that clean up the faces. In practice, this means you’ll want to time the session to match both the swell direction and the local wind direction so the jetty break actually organizes. Safety is the major constraint here: dangerous rips and strong rip currents are repeatedly flagged, especially next to the jetty/rocks, with additional rippiness attributed to estuary outflow. Heavy harbor/boat traffic near the channel is also a concern—riders should stay clear of the navigational area and be cautious around the rocks/submerged hazards. For equipment and cold-water comfort, the spot guidance emphasizes winter-appropriate protection, including a wetsuit plus neoprene hood, gloves, and boots for colder months. Lifeguards are seasonal, rescue coverage is limited, and emergency procedures should be treated seriously given the strong currents near the rocks.

  • Sheltered beach/jetty break that works occasionally
  • Mid tide favored
  • Dangerous rips next to the jetty are a key hazard
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Jetty helps shape the wave and provides shelter compared to open coast.
  • Mid tide is favored.
  • Can offer peeling, organized right-hand waves when sandbars form (conditions-dependent).
Heads up
  • Break only works occasionally, so days can be inconsistent.
  • Dangerous rips and strong rip currents are common next to the jetty/rocks.
  • Winter water temperatures are very cold.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE
Offshore directions
W, NW
Wind Range
10–25 kts
Reliability
low
Best Months
March

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Ocean
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Flat
Chop Level
Heavy chop
Launch
Medium — Sandy beach area adjacent to the rock jetty; beach/jetty break at the end of Beach Street with a jetty present.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb: 5/4mm or 6/5mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodApr–Nov: 4/3mmMar, Jun, Sep: 3/2mmJul, Aug: shorty or swimsuit

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Sheltered beach/jetty break that only works once in a while; requires the right conditions and careful navigation of rips next to the jetty/rocks.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
NE, ESE, SE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Sheltered — Jetty provides some protection, but near-jetty conditions remain hazardous.
Wind Effect
Offshore winds from the West or Northwest clean up the faces; northeast wind is often referenced as the best direction.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well but can become heavy and difficult to paddle out against the rip.
Wave Quality
Poor — Provider disagreement exists: one source rates quality as poor/only occasional, while another describes occasions with good quality when sandbars form.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Mixed
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Can produce long peeling rights along the jetty when sandbars are well-formed; typical rides can be medium length.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Green Harbor in the full forecast view.

Green Harbor wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–12 ktsGusts 24 kts
Direction
W270°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 2712 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.1–1.4 m6s period
Temperature
3–18 °C

Over the next 7 days, Green Harbor is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.1–1.4 m with a period of about 6s. 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

  • dangerous rips and strong rip currents next to the jetty/rocks
  • estuary outflow (rippy conditions)
  • jetty/rock hazards and submerged rocks near the pier
  • heavy boat traffic in the harbor channel
  • winter water temperatures
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBootsGlovesHoodWetsuitDrysuitHarnessKnife

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
For emergencies dial 911.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; stay clear of the active harbor channel/boat traffic.

Restrictions
  • Keep out of the navigational/harbor channel.
  • Resident sticker parking required in season.
Local Tips
  • Surfing here means negotiating dangerous rips.
  • Strong rip currents can be found next to the jetty; they may be used to get out, but are dangerous for inexperienced swimmers.
  • Best at mid tide.
  • Navigate rips carefully.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Marshfield
Nearest Town
Marshfield, MA 02050
Parking
Resident sticker parking required in season; in-town lots available on Avon Street (10am–4pm), Green Harbor Post Office on Beach Street (10am–4pm), and Beach Street extension; no fee for off-season parking.
Access
Located at the end of Beach Street in Marshfield; public beach access is free (seasonal parking rules apply).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
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 Green Harbor?

The best overall months at Green Harbor are March.

Which wind directions work at Green Harbor?

Green Harbor works with NE winds. Offshore directions are W, NW.

What skill level is Green Harbor suitable for?

Green Harbor suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.