About Cape Ann

This Gloucester enclave hosts one of the most powerful, most exposed beachbreaks in the state, Long Beach, where at lower tides plentiful sandbanks magnify any available swell. The southern corner of Cape Ann boasts a hollow left that breaks into exposed rocks at low tide. A little channel near the rocks helps with paddle-outs on big swells.

Source: Cape Ann Surf Guide

Ability Level

Intermediate - advanced

Beg Int Adv

Chargers preferred, cruisers accepted, barneys denied.

Local Vibe

Doable

Welcoming Intimidating

Mellow, maybe some territorial behavior on the good days.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

Mellow Heavy

The colder the water, the more chill the lineup.

Spot Rating

Fun

Poor Perfect

Massachusetts is a beachbreak goldmine if you know where you’re going. You could do a lot worse than Cape Ann.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

Light Exhausting

You’ll take some gas when it’s good.

Water Quality

Clean

Clean Dirty

Gloucester beaches historically passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time.

Additional Information

Hazards

Sharks, hypothermia, rocks.

Access

Parking (legally) is limited, expensive and sketchy.

Bring Your

Shortboard, fish, funboard, longboard

Seabed

Sand and rock.

Best Season

September-March

Swell Consistency and Wind Overview

Photos & Videos