What size does Smith Point County Park work best at?

3–6 ft is the working range. Below that it goes flat; above, it stops being fun and the lineup thins out.

When is the best season to surf Smith Point County Park?

Peak season runs through the months when the swell window aligns and trade winds blow offshore. See the month strip in Wave fit for the working window.

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.

Suffolk County, New York, United States

Smith Point County Park

40.733, -72.862

Edited by Thomas Jackson

Verified May 2026

Editor-reviewedCross-checked against 1 reference

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

Character

Shifting sand-bottom beach peaks.

Conditions

When it works

Optimum 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

Loading map...

About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd Access Nearby Alternatives

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.

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