Nantasket Beach (Hull)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Extremely crowded with tourists and swimmers in July and August; surfers and kiters dominate the winter and autumn months.
Hurricane season (August to November) and Nor'easter season (winter) bring the most significant wind and waves.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Works in northeasterly or southeasterly winds with a mix of bump-and-jump and wave conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
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
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Pollution
- Rip currents
- Submerged rocks at the northern and southern ends of the beach
- Runoff after heavy rainfall
- Heavily crowded conditions during summer months
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.
- 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.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Historic wooden carousel operating since 1928, one of the few remaining from the Paragon Park era.
Maritime rescue history of the Massachusetts coast, housed in a former Coast Guard station.
Historic fort site with panoramic views of Boston Harbor and outer islands.
Popular beachfront eatery known for seafood and Atlantic views.
State-managed beachfront with playgrounds, tide pools at low tide, and promenade walking.
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 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.