Crowd & Localism
Midweek the lineup is relaxed, with a mixed crew of old locals, improvers, and beginners. Weekend crowds can get heavy in summer. The vibe is generally easygoing and sharing is the norm. No significant localism issues reported.
Suffolk County, New York, United States
Smith Point County Park
40.733, -72.862
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-reviewedCross-checked against WannaSurf
At a glance
- Smith Point County Park is a a-frame over beach, shifting sand-bottom beach peaks.
- Beginner to intermediate ability, working 3-6 ft.
- Peak August to November, water 4-23°C.
A-frame · BeachBeginner → Intermediate3–6 ftAug – Nov
A sprawling Fire Island beach break on the south shore of Long Island, Smith Point County Park offers shifting sandbars across miles of exposed coastline. SW to SE swell in the 3-6ft range is the sweet spot, with offshore NW winds cleaning things up on good days. The bars are notoriously inconsistent and have reportedly been sub-par for several years, so check current webcam reports before making the trip. Suitable for all skill levels on the right day, the crowd is light midweek but the parking lot fills on summer weekends. Bottom: sand. Season: late summer through fall. Consistency: low to moderate. The bars shift monthly, so the best peak location changes constantly and requires scouting on arrival.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Aug – Nov
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A
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Character
Shifting sand-bottom beach peaks.
Conditions
When it worksOptimum tide
All tides
Trip planning
Quick facts
Water temp
4° to 23°C
Wetsuit
3/2 summer, 5/4 + booties winter
What to bring
- Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 6in for punchy days
- Fish or hybrid for smaller, weaker surf
- Longboard for mellow, slow days
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits
Location
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About this break
What it's actually like
Access & Facilities
Smith Point County Park is accessible via the William Floyd Parkway in Shirley, NY. Ample parking within the county park, though fees apply in season. Restrooms, lifeguards in summer, and food concessions on site. Water quality is generally acceptable but check local advisories after heavy rain.
Nearby Alternatives
When Smith Point is flat or the bars are blown out, Gilgo Beach to the west is a more consistent option, though it runs long and mushy, making it a better fit for longboarders. Fire Island inlets can also produce short punchy peaks when swell direction is right.
10-day swell, wind and tide
Smith Point County Park surf forecast
Loading forecast...
Forecast by Windy.app
Stay nearby
Camps within boat range
Browse all United States surf camps
No vetted camps within boat range of Smith Point County Park yet.
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Plan a trip
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Frequently asked
What you need to know before paddling out at Smith Point County Park
What skill level is Smith Point County Park suited for?
Smith Point County Park is a beach bottom, shifting sand-bottom beach peaks, break suited for beginner through intermediate surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does Smith Point County Park work best at?
Working size is 3 to 6 ft. Below 3 ft the swell goes flat. Above 6 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Smith Point County Park?
Smith Point County Park fires from August through November. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Smith Point County Park need?
Smith Point County Park switches on with swells out of the SE to SW (135 to 225 degrees).
What type of wave is Smith Point County Park?
Smith Point County Park is a a-frame-breaking wave over beach. Shifting sand-bottom beach peaks.
How crowded is Smith Point County Park?
Lineup is mellow. Visiting surfers fit in fine if they wait their turn.
Sources
- WannaSurf
Smith Point County Park
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