A mellow left-hand rock-reef point on the New Hampshire coast, Straws Point occasionally dishes out a rogue right against the grain. It feeds on straight E swell and cleans up fast under NW winds, working best from knee-high to just overhead, though a punchy NE swell can push it a touch larger. Lower tides tighten the sections and add a bit of hollow along the reef, higher tides flatten everything out into long, forgiving walls. It suits everyone from longboarders threading nose-rides to fish riders just looking for fun, and the mellow wave tends to keep the crowd mellow too. Bottom: mixed rock reef and sand. Season: September through March. Consistency: moderate. Pack a full 5/4 with hood and booties, because hypothermia is a genuine risk in these waters and the paddle-out past the rocks in a thick suit is already a workout.
Crowds are moderate by New England standards, mostly because the wave is soft and the access is awkward. Localism is manageable, but keep the camera off the lineup. The further north you go along this coast, the quieter things get, and Straws is a good example of that dynamic working in a visitor's favor.
Parking is limited and access is described as sketchy, so arrive early and be prepared to walk. Rocks on entry and exit demand attention, especially in thick neoprene. Sharks are present in these waters, hypothermia is a real hazard in autumn and winter. No facilities on site, so bring water and a warm layer for after.
When Straws is flat or the tide is wrong, the New Hampshire and southern Maine coastline has a handful of beach breaks that can pick up the same E and NE swells with slightly more power. Hampton Beach and the Rye stretch are worth checking when conditions warrant a more committed session.
Forecast by Windy.app
