Lynne Beach
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Lynne Beach is a sheltered sandy beach break near Swampscott that’s described as having fairly consistent surf, with waves often best when the tide is low. Surf conditions are generally shaped by swell wrapping into the sheltered shoreline, and sources note that waves can become short and mushy or close out as the tide rises too high. For wind-related conditions, the local wind picture is influenced by frontal systems in spring and fall, and a wind direction/offshore pairing is repeatedly emphasized: west to northwest winds groom the surf at the beach. Wind availability is therefore more “condition-dependent” than year-round steady, with overall wind reliability described as average and gustiness described as moderate. Safety-wise, the key concerns are water-quality variability (notably after heavy rain), along with rocks at the northern end and submerged obstacles near the Red Rock area. It’s recommended to check water quality information before going out, and to pay attention to any beach closures or marked swimming zones during the warmer months. Across seasons, autumn and winter are highlighted as the best overall time for this spot, with March also specifically identified as a top month for surfing. Water temperatures range from very cold in winter to warm summer values (with winter requiring appropriate insulation), and lifeguards are described as seasonal rather than year-round.
- Sheltered, consistent beach-break surf
- Best tide highlighted as low tide
- Rarely crowded
- Water quality can be impacted after heavy rain
- Offshore west/northwest winds groom the waves
- Sheltered beach break with fairly consistent surf.
- Often described as rarely crowded.
- Low tide is highlighted as the best time for rideable surf shape.
- Multiple surf-friendly swell directions referenced (including E/SE/ENE windows depending on conditions).
- Water quality can be variable and may worsen after heavy rainfall.
- Some rocks and submerged obstacles (especially near the northern end/Red Rock area).
- Not a major multi-sport wind destination; wind sports can be secondary depending on conditions.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, NW, WSW
- Offshore directions
- W, NW, WSW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind pattern described as primarily influenced by frontal systems in spring and fall.
- Reliability
- average
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- March, October, November, December, January, February
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–17 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Wave size reported as small; conditions may become heavy/shorebreaky or close out as tide rises or swell increases.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Water type reported as chop; wind/wave state described as manageable in the sheltered setting.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with plenty of room at low to mid tide.
Through the year
Rarely crowded, even during peak summer; beach walkers/sunbathers may be present.
Winter and early spring bring the most consistent swells via Nor’easters.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Not a primary kitesurfing destination due to the sheltered nature, but possible in strong easterly winds for experienced riders; most kiters prefer elsewhere.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–17 m²
Occasionally used for windsurfing when offshore winds provide flatter water or during easterly storm patterns that bring waves.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7.5 m²
Becoming increasingly popular for beginners due to sandy bottom and sheltered nature; best on a rising tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions are indicated.
- Min Depth
- 1.0m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Sheltered beach break with fairly consistent surf. Works best on low tide with an East or Southeast swell (sources also note an E/ENE-type swell window depending on swell direction).
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, SE, NNE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Best tide is low tide.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Sheltered beach break conditions are noted; however, waves can still close out as the tide rises too high.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the West and Northwest groom the waves effectively.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but often turns into heavy shorebreak or closes out as conditions/tide rise.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality reported as average.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Wave power described as soft for the working conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Mushy/soft wave shape typical for this sheltered break.
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Waves tend to be short and mushy; peel is generally slow.
- Ride Length
- Short — Ride length reported as short; beginner-style waves when conditions are right.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride length reported around 30–50 meters; waves tend to be short and close out as the tide gets higher.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Lynne Beach in the full forecast view.
Lynne Beach wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- WSW257°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2910 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.7 m6s period
- Temperature
- 2–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Lynne Beach is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.1–0.7 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- Water pollution/bacteria (common after heavy rain)
- Rocks at the northern end of the beach
- Submerged obstacles near Red Rock Park
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are described as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-site water-sports rescue; emergency response is provided by local municipal services.
- Emergency Info
- In an emergency, dial 911. Nearest major medical facility noted as Salem Hospital (about 10–15 minutes away by car).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism reported as none.
Rules of the spot
Follow standard surfing etiquette. Be aware of beach closures due to water quality alerts.
- Seasonal dog restrictions
- Swimming zones may be marked in summer
- Check state water quality information before heading out, especially after rainfall/heavy rain.
- Best wave shape is at low tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Swampscott
- Nearest Town
- Lynn
- Parking
- Free but limited street parking is available along Lynn Shore Drive.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via MBTA Commuter Rail at the Swampscott and Lynn stations, plus local bus routes.
- Access
- Easily accessible via Lynn Shore Drive which runs along the entire beach.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotels and short-term rentals available in Lynn, Swampscott, and nearby Salem.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance in the Swampscott and Lynn areas.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rental shops directly on the beach; bring your own gear or visit shops in nearby Marblehead.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
North Shore highlights include historic New England charm, rocky coastal landscapes, and seafood dining options within easy reach of Boston.
A scenic narrow road connecting the mainland to the island of Nahant, popular for views and walking.
Salem is known for its 1692 witch trials, maritime history, and the Peabody Essex Museum.
The Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation offers a long paved path for cycling and skating along the water.
A waterfront dining venue offering seafood and views of the Boston skyline.
A small scenic park with paths and benches overlooking the Atlantic, suitable for picnics.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Lynne Beach?
The best overall months at Lynne Beach are September, October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are March, October, November, December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at Lynne Beach?
Lynne Beach works with W, NW, WSW winds. Offshore directions are W, NW, WSW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Lynne Beach?
Recommended equipment sizes at Lynne Beach: Kitesurfing: 9–17 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.
What skill level is Lynne Beach suitable for?
Lynne Beach suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.