A sand-bar peak off Nantucket's south shore that earns its keep only when a proper swell runs, think 5ft minimum before it starts showing real shape. SW to S groundswell is the trigger, low tide or outgoing mid-tide the window, and offshore NW winds clean it up into punchy, hollow peaks. Two distinct peaks split left and right options, the outside bars produce the longer rides on a good day, stretching to 50-150m when the sand is stacked right. This is an experienced-surfer wave: the hollow sections and the effort required to find it filter the crowds naturally, and on a good day the lineup is nearly empty. Bottom: sand. Season: late summer through late fall. Consistency: low, swell-dependent. Timing your visit around a solid groundswell and low tide is non-negotiable, a flat tide on a marginal swell produces nothing worth the drive across the island.
Few people know this spot, and the combination of access effort and swell threshold keeps the headcount low even on working days. The vibe is relaxed. Respect that low-key atmosphere, arriving with a crew will change what makes it worth finding.
Access is described as quite tricky, involving dirt tracks and a small cliff overlooking the peaks. The cliff top offers a useful vantage point to check the banks before paddling out. No facilities on site. Bring water, wax, and whatever else you need. Factor in the drive time from Nantucket town when chasing a tide window.
When Madaquecham is too small or the tide is wrong, Nantucket's south-facing beaches pick up similar swell and can offer more forgiving conditions across a wider tide range. Cisco Beach is the island's most consistent alternative for SW groundswell days.
Forecast by Windy.app
