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40.94381
-72.1904
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Home › North America › Northeast › Long Island New York
Main Beach
 
PHOTO
Surf spot travel photo of Main Beach - East Hampton
DESCRIPTION
The area from West Hampton to Amagansett is known as the Hamptons. This area is world-renowned for its vineyards, beaches, nightlife and resident celebrities. The Hamptons come alive in summer (between Memorial Day and Labor Day), when it's not uncommon to be seated at a restaurant next to Alec Baldwin, Billy Joel or Steven Spielberg. Prices are high and crowds are thick, but it's a unique and satisfying scene. The beaches in this area pick up plenty of swell, and consistently have excellent sand banks. Hollow, grinding tubes are common. Unfortunately, the beaches are barricaded with multimillion-dollar homes and beach clubs, so access is difficult in most places. Parking permits are required and strictly enforced in summer.

If you've seen a picture of a hollow wave in New York, chances are it was at Main Beach. The waves have board-breaking power, without serious crowding or localism. If you want barrels, left or right depending on swell, Main Beach is the call.
-- mike nelson
Best Tide:
mid/high
Best Swell Direction:
SE
Best Size:
overhead
Best Wind:
NW
Perfect-O-Meter:
5 (1=Lake Erie; 10=Jeffreys Bay)
Bottom:
sand
Ability Level:
expert
Bring Your:
extra board
Best Season:
winter
Access:
easy, if you can find it and have a parking permit
Crowd Factor:
mellow
Local Vibe:
moderate
Bicep Burn:
4 (1=1ft Waikiki; 10=15ft Ocean Beach)
Poo Patrol:
3 (1=clean; 10=turds in the lineup)
Hazards:
power
PLACES TO EAT
After your session, head to the Lobster Roll (631-267-3740) or Turtle Crossing (631-324-7166) in Amagansett for some excellent grub.
PLACES TO STAY
Things fill up quickly in summer, so everything in the Hamptons requires reservations well in advance. Prices skyrocket in summer to around $150-$300 for a double, often with a two-night minimum stay. In Hampton Bays, The Bayview House (631-728-1200) is reasonable. In South Hampton, the South Hampton Inn will gladly empty your wallet for a night of luxury. In East Hampton, try either The Dutch Motel (631-324-4550) or the East Hampton House (800-698-9283).

Or try
THINGS TO DO
The nightlife in the Hamptons is among the best in the world in the summer. In Hampton Bays (West Hampton), they think it's spring break all summer. In East Hampton, try the Talk House (631-267-3117). For you winos, don't miss the vineyards. Visit Duck Walk Vineyard (631-726-7555), and, once you get loaded on wine samples, don't forget to visit the overpriced specialty stores in town.
SURF SHOPS
Main Beach, Wainscott, 631537-2716
Island Surf, West Hampton Beach, 631-288-4155
Jetties, West Hampton Beach, 631-288-0488
Sunrise to Sunset, South Hampton, 631-283-2929
Espos, East Hampton, 631-329-9100

Find a surf shop or a surf school in your area.

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