Beginner Surf Spots in the United States
4 surf breaks we map are rated for beginner surfers in the United States: Waikiki, Malibu, Cocoa Beach and Ditch Plains.
Last updated · Counted from the surf breaks we map — each break's own season, level and wave type
- Point breaks
- 2
- Reef breaks
- 1
- Beach breaks
- 1
The beginner breaks
Best months are filled in where the break states a season. Open a break for its map, photos and the property nearest the lineup.
- Waikiki
Hawaii
- Wave
- Reef break · A-frame peaks (lefts and rights)
- Level
- Beginner
- Season
- Year-round, best May to September (south swells)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- Malibu
- Wave
- Point break · Right-hand
- Level
- Beginner
- Season
- Summer and early autumn (south and south-west swells)
- Tide
- All tides; best on a pushing tide
- Watch out
- Cobblestones and a current along the point. Extremely crowded, so learn the lineup rules and do not drop in. Water quality drops after rain, when Malibu Lagoon can flow into the lineup.
- Cocoa Beach
- Wave
- Beach break · A-frame peaks (lefts and rights)
- Level
- Beginner
- Season
- September to April (winter NW swells)
- Tide
- All tides; sandbar-dependent
- Watch out
- Rip currents, shifting sandbars, pier pilings, occasional sharks and jellyfish, hurricane-season surf and strong onshore winds. Be especially careful around the pier structure and maintain adequate distance from pilings. Conditions can change quickly during tropical systems and strong northeast wind events.
- Ditch Plains
Montauk
- Wave
- Point break · A-frame peaks (lefts and rights)
- Level
- Beginner
- Season
- September to April (winter NW swells)
- Tide
- All tides; best on a pushing tide
- Watch out
- Heavy crowds, rocks, submerged reef, currents on larger swells, limited parking, competitive lineups during good conditions and very cold winter water. Hurricane and nor'easter swells can transform normally approachable Ditch into significantly more powerful surf.
Other levels in United States
Frequently asked questions
Where can beginner surfers surf in the United States?
4 surf breaks we map are rated for beginner surfers in the United States: Waikiki, Malibu, Cocoa Beach and Ditch Plains.
When is the best time for beginner surfers to surf the United States?
The beginner-rated breaks we map in the United States are mostly at their best in September.
What kind of waves are the beginner surf spots in the United States?
Of the 4 beginner breaks we map in the United States, 2 are point breaks, 1 is a reef break and 1 is a beach break. Sand-bottom beach breaks are the most forgiving place to fall.