Nantasket Beach (Hull)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Crowded
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Nantasket Beach (Hull) is an exposed, long sandy beach break with clean water and a mix of small-to-medium surf. Surf is described as consistent and workable year-round, with multiple beachbreak peaks and typically best performance around mid tide. For wind sports, the spot is primarily known for kitesurfing, offering a vast shoreline that becomes much narrower at high tide. Wind directions commonly favored for kiting include N through E (with ENE/E highlighted), and the best wind months are March, April, May, September, October, and November. Summer can add an afternoon sea-breeze component, but beach width and crowding still strongly affect when and where you can launch. Safety is a central consideration: swimmers (including dense summer beach use) and rip currents are the main hazards, and higher water levels can increase turbulence near the seawall. Beach rules are strictly enforced seasonally (including no fires/fireworks, restrictions on alcohol/cannabis, seasonal dog prohibitions, and no sleeping overnight). Kitesurfing is generally regulated during lifeguard hours in summer, so planning around the seasonal rules is essential. Conditions are also weather-sensitive: water can be freezing in winter and spring, so cold-water kit (including boots and a thick wetsuit) is strongly recommended. Parking is convenient in terms of lot size, but it fills quickly in summer; arriving roughly 6 hours before high tide is advised for best beach access and parking.
- Very large sandy launch area at low tide
- Consistent exposed surf with multiple peaks
- Best wind months: March–May and September–November
- Seasonal lifeguard/parking rules strongly affect kiting and access
- Wide sandy launch area and easy access
- Consistent Atlantic exposure for surfing and ample space for kitesurfing at low tide
- Good year-round options, with best wind months in spring and fall
- On-site amenities such as showers and toilets and nearby food along the boardwalk/avenue
- Highly tidal with very limited beach space at high tide
- Swimmers are a major safety hazard in summer
- Rip currents and turbulence near the seawall can occur
- Seasonal lifeguard rules can restrict kitesurfing during peak hours
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE
- Offshore directions
- W, WNW, WSW, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Frontal systems in spring/fall and summer thermal sea-breezes from the east/southeast.
- Reliability
- seasonal
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Long sandy shoreline with multiple beachbreak peaks.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Some descriptions characterize surf as medium; overall it is generally small-to-medium with softer/long-rolling waves.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat-to-choppy water depending on conditions and wind.
- Launch
- Big — Extremely wide sandy beach at low tide; becomes very narrow at high tide.
Through the year
Peak in July and August; quieter in shoulder seasons (March–May, September–November).
Late summer through autumn can bring tropical storm swells and Northeasters; winter and spring can bring frequent damp conditions.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Premier south-shore kitesurfing beach with lots of space at lower tides and a mix of flatter water between sets plus rolling swell.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Popular for bump and jump conditions on northeasterly winds.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Sandy bottom and minimal shore rocks make it suitable for foiling, though the shore break can be challenging at high tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed, consistent beach break that works year-round, with multiple peaks and best performance around mid tide.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE, E, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open coastal exposure makes conditions wind- and swell-sensitive.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest on light west or southwest winds; can get messy on east winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold a range of sizes, but may close out when swell exceeds about 2.5 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Some descriptions rate quality as average; long-rolling waves suit longboarding.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Some sources describe softer/long-rolling surf; overall power is generally not extreme.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves typically roll softly and can be long for longboarding.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Nantasket Beach (Hull) in the full forecast view.
Nantasket Beach (Hull) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- W259°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2711 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.4 m7s period
- Temperature
- 4–18 °C
Over the next 7 days, Nantasket Beach (Hull) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.3–1.4 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- swimmers
- rip currents
- cold water
- pollution
- sea wall at high tide
- narrow beach at high tide
- longshore drift
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is limited; local patrol and seasonal beach coverage are available.
- Emergency Info
- Seasonal beach patrol; Hull Police and Fire Department provide seasonal beach patrol. Call 911 for emergencies.
Rules of the spot
Stay on designated access paths; avoid vegetated areas. No fires/fireworks. Alcohol/cannabis prohibited at North Nantasket Beach. Dogs prohibited summer (June 1–Sept 15). No sleeping 12 AM–6 AM. Leash required. Parking sticker required in peak season.
- No kitesurfing mid-June through Labor Day between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM when lifeguards are present.
- No sleeping 12 AM–6 AM.
- No fires or fireworks.
- Alcohol/cannabis prohibited at North Nantasket Beach.
- Dogs prohibited June 1–Sept 15.
- Parking sticker required during peak months.
- Be careful of swimmers, especially in summer.
- If caught in a rip current: remain calm, don’t fight it, let it take you out, then swim parallel to shore.
- Arrive about 6 hours before high tide for best parking and beach access.
- High tide can shut down the break due to the sea wall.
- Low tide provides the safest and most spacious launching conditions.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hull, Massachusetts
- Nearest Town
- Boston (20km from spot)
- Nearest Airport
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) (~20 miles)
- Parking
- Large paid parking lots; gets packed during summer and on summer weekends. Strict parking laws; parking sticker required during peak months.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via MBTA 714 bus and the Hull-Boston commuter ferry from Pemberton Point.
- Access
- Drive south from Boston through Quincy, follow signs to Hull and Nantasket Beach. Beach runs parallel to Nantasket Avenue; parking is best at the northern end / beginning of Nantasket Ave.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various accommodation options in Hull within walking distance.
- Food & Drink
- Boardwalk/avenue options for food and drinks, including restaurants and ice cream.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard and related rentals available locally; specialized kite/wind gear generally through schools.
- Gear Storage
- Limited public gear storage; most storage handled through schools or private arrangements.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs available via local shops; major kite/sail repairs may require transport.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Hull is a narrow-peninsula coastal town with historic New England character and a lively beach scene.
Boardwalk area featuring an arcade, mini-golf, and food vendors.
Museum dedicated to the history of coastal rescue and the maritime heritage of the region.
Historic fort site offering panoramic views of Boston Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.
Accessible by boat for hiking, bird watching, and exploring historic ruins.
Popular beachfront restaurant known for seafood and views of the Atlantic.
A classic wooden carousel that is a centerpiece of the beachfront area.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Nantasket Beach (Hull)?
The best overall months at Nantasket Beach (Hull) are March, April, May, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Nantasket Beach (Hull)?
Nantasket Beach (Hull) works with N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW, WSW, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Nantasket Beach (Hull)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Nantasket Beach (Hull): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Nantasket Beach (Hull) suitable for?
Nantasket Beach (Hull) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.