Nantasket Beach (Hull)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Bodyboard, Beginners
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Nantasket Beach (Hull) is an exposed sandy beach break on the Atlantic side with long stretches of launch space and generally consistent surf that can work year-round. The break is reported to offer left and right-hand waves, with mid tide highlighted as a good time to find the most workable setup. Overall wave quality is described as average, with rides often short and influenced by shifting sandbar peaks. The main safety concerns are water quality and water movement: pollution is reported as a hazard, particularly after heavy rainfall, and rip currents are present. There are also reports of submerged rocks at the northern and southern ends of the beach, so entry and exit routes matter. Crowd levels are seasonal—often busy during summer—and seasonal swimming-area restrictions can apply from late June to early September, with possible zone-based limitations for surfing and kiting during peak swimming hours. Wind and water-sports sessions depend strongly on direction and season. West winds are described as best for offshore/cleaner surf conditions for surfing, while frontal periods can bring moderate-to-strong winds. In spring and summer afternoons, thermals/sea-breeze-style flow are common in a late-day window, which can boost wind on suitable days; for wind sports, northeasterly or southeasterly setups are also highlighted by providers. Winter and shoulder-season kiting is noted as popular when the wind comes from the northeast, but you should still follow any seasonal restrictions and posted guidance. Because the water is cold for much of the year, thermal protection is a key part of planning. Winter-style thicknesses are recommended in colder months, and boots/gloves/hood are typically advised in winter. During summer the season may allow lighter suits on warmest days, but cold water conditions remain a consistent theme outside peak summer.

  • Exposed beach break with consistent year-round surf
  • Left and right-hand options around mid tide
  • Pollution and rip currents are the primary hazards
  • West winds can improve conditions via offshore/cleaner flow
Great for
Surfing bodyboardBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Exposed beach break with consistent year-round surf.
  • Waves can offer left and right-hand options around mid tide.
  • Large sandy launch area with easy beach access.
  • Offshore-feeling wind conditions are possible with west winds.
Heads up
  • Pollution can be a problem, especially after heavy rain.
  • Rip currents are present.
  • Conditions can be crowded and summer periods can include seasonal access restrictions.
  • Water can be cold for much of the year.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, N, NE, E, SE
Offshore directions
W
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Prevailing westerlies with frontal systems; frontal systems can bring 15–25 knots during stronger periods.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts reported during frontal systems.
Best Months
September, October, November, March, April
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — Surf size is often small to medium depending on conditions.
Chop Level
Light chop — Can be choppy at times; winter/swell conditions may vary.
Launch
Big — Long and wide sandy beach providing ample space, though it can be narrower at high tide.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
2–22 °C
Water Temperature
-3–28 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mm or shortyApr–Nov: 4/3mmJan, Feb, Mar: 5/4mm or 6/5mm + Boots, Gloves, Hood
Crowds by Season

Extremely crowded with tourists and swimmers in July and August; surfers and kiters dominate the winter and autumn months.

Storm/Rain Season

Hurricane season (August to November) and Nor'easter season (winter) bring the most significant wind and waves.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

A popular local winter/shoulder-season kiting option when onshore winds prevail, with plenty of space for launching and landing outside the busy summer period.

FreerideWaveFoil
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Works in northeasterly or southeasterly winds with a mix of bump-and-jump and wave conditions.

FreerideWave
Sail Sizes
4.5–6.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Foil-friendly due to the sandy bottom, but plan around tide to avoid long distances walking across shallow sandbars.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foil-friendly sandy bottom.
Min Depth
1.0 meter
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach break with consistent surf that can work year-round. Offers left and right-hand waves around mid tide, with average-to-modest wave quality and often short rides.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
SE, E, NE
Swell Height
0.5–2 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Exposed — Open-ocean exposure with limited natural protection; exposed conditions are common.
Wind Effect
Best with west wind/offshore conditions; west, northwest, or southwest winds can provide cleaner/offshore-feeling waves.
Bigger Swell
Can become heavy and close out during very large hurricane or winter swells.
Wave Quality
Average — Typically average quality; can be better for progression/longboarding than for high-performance surf.
Wave Power
Moderate — Reported as moderate wave power; often minimal in some conditions.
Wave Shape
Mushy
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short — Waves typically provide short, punchy rides on shifting sandbar peaks.
Ride Length Details
Short, punchy rides on shifting sandbar peaks; ride length can be limited.
Forecast

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
W266°
Strongest day
Thu, Oct 2911 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.1–1.1 m6s 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 Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.1–1.1 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

  • Pollution
  • Rip currents
  • Submerged rocks at the northern and southern ends of the beach
  • Runoff after heavy rainfall
  • Heavily crowded conditions during summer months
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsGlovesHoodLeashImpact vest

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Reported as limited at the spot/region level.
Emergency Info
Emergency: 911. Hull Police and Fire departments provide local emergency services.

Rules of the spot

Be aware that pollution and runoff can affect water quality after heavy rain; use posted guidance and respect any seasonal access restrictions during peak swimming periods.

Restrictions
  • Seasonal swimming area restrictions apply from late June to early September.
  • Surfing and kiting can be restricted to specific zones or prohibited during peak swimming hours in summer.
Local Tips
  • Beware of rips and pollution.
  • Check for water quality alerts when conditions may have been impacted by rainfall.
  • Winter and shoulder-season kiting/sessions are typically favored on days when winds come from the northeast, but follow any zone restrictions.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Hull
Nearest Town
Hull
Parking
Extensive paid parking is available in DCR lots along Nantasket Avenue.
Access
Drive south from Boston through Quincy and follow signs to Hull and Nantasket Beach.
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Local inns, bed and breakfasts, and short-term rentals are available in Hull and Hingham.
Food & Drink
Numerous restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops located directly across from the beach.
Equipment Rental:
Occasional seasonal surf rentals available at nearby shops.
Gear Storage
Not publicly available; most riders use personal vehicles or local residences.
Gear Repair
No specialized kite/wing repair reported; local surf shops may offer basic surfboard repair.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: June through September for weather; early autumn for fewer crowds and warmer water.
Paragon Carousel0.2 miles

Historic wooden carousel operating since 1928, one of the few remaining from the Paragon Park era.

Hull Lifesaving Museum1.5 miles

Maritime rescue history of the Massachusetts coast, housed in a former Coast Guard station.

Fort Revere Park2.5 miles

Historic fort site with panoramic views of Boston Harbor and outer islands.

The Parrot0.1 miles

Popular beachfront eatery known for seafood and Atlantic views.

Nantasket Beach Reservation0 miles

State-managed beachfront with playgrounds, tide pools at low tide, and promenade walking.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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 May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are September, October, November, March, April.

Which wind directions work at Nantasket Beach (Hull)?

Nantasket Beach (Hull) works with W, N, NE, E, SE winds. Offshore directions are W.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Nantasket Beach (Hull)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Nantasket Beach (Hull): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 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: Beginner to Intermediate.